AC/DC PWR/UP pop-up shop at Hard Rock Cafe in San Francisco on Aug. 3, ahead of the band’s concert at Levi’s Stadium.
AC/DC PWR/UP pop-up shop at Hard Rock Cafe in San Francisco on Aug. 3, ahead of the band’s concert at Levi’s Stadium. Glenn Gumin/STAFF.
SAN FRANCISCO — AC/DC fans can see stage props, pose for photos and purchase exclusive merchandise at a free pop-up shop in at Hard Rock Cafe at Pier 39 ahead of the band’s Wednesday concert at Levi’s Stadium.
The Australian hard rock band will bring its Power Up Tour to the Santa Clara stadium Aug. 5, with the Pretty Reckless opening the show. The concert begins at 7 p.m. It’s the band’s first show in San Francisco since a sold-out gig at Oracle Park in 2015.
The touring PWR/UP Pop-Up opened Monday evening with an RSVP-only preview. It will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
About 2,000 fans attended Monday evening’s RSVP-only preview, according to the event promoter. Many began lining up early outside the Hard Rock Cafe for a first look at the AC/DC memorabilia, stage props, photo opportunities and tour merchandise. Among them was Robin Wilson, 57, of San Francisco, who said she’s followed the band since she was 13 and living in Sacramento.
AC/DC PWR/UP pop-up shop at Hard Rock Cafe in San Francisco on Aug. 3, ahead of the band’s concert at Levi’s Stadium.
Wilson recalled seeing AC/DC for the first time in 2015, when she made her way to the front barrier and caught guitarist Angus Young’s attention.
Visitors entering the pop-up are greeted by one of 21 cannons associated with “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).” The display also includes one of the band’s “Hells Bells” props and one of Angus Young’s red schoolboy suits.
Interactive installations include a mock AC/DC stage where visitors can pose with a replica of Young’s guitar. AC/DC logos and other displays throughout the venue provide additional photo opportunities.
Susan Kramer, 55, of San Mateo, recalled watching Young perform an extended guitar solo at a Sacramento concert. She described the performance as “hella rad!”
The shop carries event-specific shirts and posters, tour merchandise and fan collectibles, including Young-inspired devil horns and AC/DC stickers. Other items include custom street-art shirts and AC/DC jackets.
Fans can also enter contests for prizes including concert tickets, merchandise packages, VIP bags, a guitar signed by Young, a schoolboy suit and an AC/DC-themed pinball machine.
The first 200 visitors each day will receive a free commemorative poster. Free ticket drawings are scheduled for 2 and 4 p.m. for each of the next two days.
AC/DC currently features singer Brian Johnson and guitarist Angus Young, joined on tour by rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, bassist Chris Chaney and drummer Matt Laug.
The Power Up Tour set has included classics like “Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” “Highway to Hell” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),” along with “Demon Fire” and “Shot in the Dark” from the band’s 2020 album, Power Up.
It’s located at Hard Rock Cafe, 39 Pier, No. 256, at Pier 39 in San Francisco. Admission is free.
About The Author
Glenn Gumin spends his days on a college campus as a higher education administrator involved in academic affairs and student & financial services. After many years of piano lessons, he’s now attempting to learn to play the guitar and ukulele to prepare for island life in retirement. He’s a live music enthusiast who loves to reminisce about shows he attended as a Bay Area teenager and a Midwest college student. He’s also a big supporter of college radio.
Glenn Gumin spends his days on a college campus as a higher education administrator involved in academic affairs and student & financial services. After many years of piano lessons, he’s now attempting to learn to play the guitar and ukulele to prepare for island life in retirement. He’s a live music enthusiast who loves to reminisce about shows he attended as a Bay Area teenager and a Midwest college student. He’s also a big supporter of college radio.