AC/DC Dive Bar Prepares Fans for Epic Minneapolis Show

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Fans gathered on Wednesday afternoon at the AC/DC Dive Bar, a pop-up space created by the iconic band ahead of its concert at U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday night. This marks AC/DC’s first North American tour in nine years, drawing eager attendees from across the region.

Superfan Chad Norman of Austin, Minnesota, was among those who arrived early at the Dive Bar, excitedly clutching a T-shirt from the concert and sporting a brand-new tattoo of the band’s logo, which was provided free of charge. “Those guys know how to treat their fans and make things fun,” Norman said.

The AC/DC Dive Bar is located across the river from the stadium in the St. Anthony Main district. It serves as a real bar offering drinks, a mini-museum filled with band memorabilia, and, intriguingly, a tattoo parlor. The venue opened its doors on Wednesday from 2 to 10 p.m. and will continue operating from noon until 8 p.m. on the day of the concert.

Having previously missed out on the free tattoo opportunity during the 2023 Power Trip festival in Indio, California, Norman was determined to participate this time. He forewarned, “If it’s anything like at Power Trip, this place will be packed” on concert day.

Flat-screen televisions displayed footage of the legendary Australian rock band, making the atmosphere electric. Fans had the chance to capture photos with iconic props, including an Angus Young-style Gibson SG guitar and replicas of the band’s famous “Hell’s Bells” and “For Those About to Rock” cannons.

The merchandise section upstairs featured an impressive array of AC/DC gear, including T-shirts ranging from $45 to $60 and sweatshirts priced at $90. Vinyl records, meanwhile, sold for $30 each, showcasing nearly all of the band’s albums.

This tour is particularly significant as it marks the band’s first return to the U.S. since the passing of co-founding guitarist Malcolm Young in 2017. The lineup now includes Angus Young, who celebrated his 70th birthday and still performs in his iconic schoolboy uniform, and nephew Stevie Young. Brian Johnson, the band’s lead vocalist since the landmark 1980 album “Back in Black,” is returning after recovering from hearing issues that affected his last tour.

“Remember to wear earplugs,” cautioned Norman, acknowledging the high decibel levels expected during the concert.

As of Wednesday night, all tickets for the show were sold out on Ticketmaster, except for limited-view seats priced at $233.