If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a stadium when the first chord of "Back in Black" hits, you know it’s not just music. It’s a physical event. But for years, the biggest question following the band hasn't been about Angus Young’s schoolboy outfit or the size of their stage cannons. It’s been about the voice. Specifically, who is the lead singer of AC/DC right now, and how on earth have they survived fifty years of lineup chaos?
Honestly, the answer depends on when you ask. If you’re heading out to a show on the 2026 Power Up tour, you’re going to see a familiar face. If you found value in this article, you should look at: this related article.
Brian Johnson is Back (And He Can Actually Hear You)
The current lead singer of AC/DC is Brian Johnson.
For a minute there, it looked like he was done. Back in 2016, the rock world was stunned when Johnson had to bow out mid-tour. Doctors told him he was facing total hearing loss if he didn't stop immediately. Imagine being the voice of "Thunderstruck" and being told you can't hear the drums anymore. It was brutal. For another angle on this story, refer to the recent coverage from Entertainment Weekly.
But technology caught up.
Johnson started working with a specialist named Stephen Ambrose, who invented a new kind of in-ear monitor that allowed him to hear the music without further damaging his eardrums. It worked. By the time the Power Up album dropped and the 2026 tour dates were announced for North and South America, Brian was firmly back behind the mic.
He’s 78 years old now. Think about that. Most people are struggling with the TV remote at 78, and Brian is out there screaming "Shoot to Thrill" to 60,000 people in Brazil and New Jersey.
The Ghost of Bon Scott
You can't talk about the lead singer of AC/DC without talking about the man who defined the role first. Bon Scott.
Bon wasn't just a singer; he was a street-poet with a wicked grin and a bottle of bourbon. He fronted the band from 1974 until his tragic death in February 1980. He died in a Renault 5 in London after a night of heavy drinking, officially from acute alcohol poisoning.
It almost killed the band, too.
Angus and Malcolm Young nearly quit. But Bon’s parents told them to keep going. They found Brian Johnson, a guy Bon had actually praised after seeing him perform with a band called Geordie. Brian didn't just replace Bon; he honored him. The first album they did together, Back in Black, became the second best-selling album of all time.
That Time Axl Rose Stepped In
Here is where it gets weird. Remember 2016?
When Brian had to leave the Rock or Bust tour, the band didn't cancel the dates. They hired Axl Rose. Yes, that Axl Rose.
It sounded like a disaster on paper. Fans were furious. They called it "Axl/DC." But then the shows started. Axl, even with a broken foot sitting on a literal throne, absolutely nailed it. He sang the Bon Scott-era songs with a grit that Brian hadn't touched in years.
He was never the permanent lead singer of AC/DC, though. It was a temp job. Axl was "guesting," and while some rumors suggested he might return for the 2025/2026 dates, the band stayed loyal to Brian once his hearing was sorted.
The Forgotten First Guy: Dave Evans
Most people think it started with Bon. It didn't.
Dave Evans was the original lead singer of AC/DC back in 1973. He sang on their very first single, "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl."
Why didn't he last? Friction.
Evans was more of a glam-rocker. He liked the satin and the flash. The Young brothers wanted something dirtier, more blues-based. After a physical fight with their manager on a tour bus, Evans was out. By October 1974, Bon Scott—who had been working as the band’s driver and occasional roadie—stepped up.
Dave Evans still tours today, often billed as the "Original Voice of AC/DC," but he’s a footnote in the grander legend.
Why the Voice Matters in 2026
The lead singer of AC/DC has one of the hardest jobs in music. You aren't just singing; you are competing with a wall of Marshall stacks and a lead guitarist who never stops moving.
What to Expect at a 2026 Show:
- The Setlist: Expect a heavy lean on the Power Up tracks like "Shot in the Dark," mixed with the essentials.
- The Lineup: It’s Brian Johnson on vocals, Angus Young on lead, Stevie Young on rhythm, Matt Laug on drums, and Chris Chaney on bass.
- The Vibe: It’s a celebration. Since the passing of Malcolm Young, the band feels more like a legacy act than ever, but they haven't lost the volume.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to catch the current lead singer of AC/DC live this year, keep these things in mind.
- Verify the Lineup: As of early 2026, Brian Johnson is the confirmed vocalist for all Power Up tour dates. Don't believe the clickbait rumors about guest singers unless the official AC/DC site posts it.
- Watch the "Power Up" Documentary: If you want to see how Brian actually fixed his hearing to get back on stage, there are several tech deep-dives and interviews with Stephen Ambrose that explain the "Asius" technology.
- Check Secondary Markets Carefully: Tickets for the 2026 North American leg are selling out in seconds. Use official partners like Ticketmaster or verified resellers, as "AC/DC 2026" is a prime target for scammers.
AC/DC shouldn't still be here. They’ve lost a founding guitarist, two legendary singers (one to death, one to retirement/return), and several rhythm sections. Yet, as long as Brian Johnson can step up to that mic and let out that gravelly roar, the lightning bolt stays lit.
