A lifelong devotion to rock legends AC/DC, passed down through generations, recently culminated in a profound journey for TV presenter Ana Chu, 43. Her fervent admiration for the Australian band traces back decades, shaping a unique family narrative centered around their electrifying music and a memorable encounter in 1996.
At just 14 years old, Ana, with the support of her parents, engineered a stay at the same hotel as AC/DC in Curitiba, Paraná, during their “Ballbreaker” tour. This pivotal moment during the band’s 1996 Brazilian leg would etch an indelible memory, transforming a teenage dream into a cherished family legacy.
The experience saw Ana engage with guitarist Malcolm Young in the hotel lobby, securing autographs on records and capturing photos. Notably, Malcolm’s brother, Angus Young, personally took her pen to sign her T-shirt, solidifying a direct connection that profoundly impacted her life and fostered an unwavering loyalty to the band.
A brother’s influence and legendary praise
Ana often recounts the transformative role her brother, Marcelus, played in her musical awakening. He steered her away from the pop sensations like Menudos, introducing her to the raw energy of AC/DC. Marcelus himself fronted an AC/DC cover band, a testament to their shared passion for the hard rock icons.
A legendary anecdote within the family stems from this era: Marcelus’s band had a cassette tape that somehow reached the AC/DC team. Reportedly, the band’s iconic guitarist, Angus Young, praised their work as “the best cover I’ve ever heard,” a commendation that added another layer of mythos to their family’s rock ‘n’ roll saga.
Intergenerational pilgrimage to São Paulo
Decades after her formative encounter, Ana embarked on a mission to translate that unique family experience for her own son. With AC/DC’s highly anticipated 2025 return to Brazil, the stage was set for a new chapter in their rock ‘n’ roll history, a pilgrimage aimed at sharing the band’s raw power and enduring appeal with the next generation.
João Marcelo, Ana’s 10-year-old son and an ardent admirer of vocalist Brian Johnson, embraced the spirit of the occasion wholeheartedly. Dressed in a replica of Johnson’s iconic boater hat and signature schoolboy attire, he joined his parents, Ana and João Henrique, 43, at the Morumbis stadium, ready for an unforgettable night of high-voltage rock that would bridge nearly three decades of family fandom.
The Morumbis spectacle of 2025
The concert at Morumbis, held recently on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, was unequivocally lauded as “apotheotic” by attendees and critics alike. The veteran band, comprised of seasoned musicians, demonstrated an undiminished ability to command and energize colossal crowds, delivering their timeless classics with precision, raw power, and an intensity that transcended generations, proving their continued relevance in the rock landscape.
A particularly electrifying moment for João Marcelo and countless fans unfolded during the performance of “High Voltage.” This track, a rarity in AC/DC’s Brazilian setlists, had reportedly never been played in the country before, making its inclusion truly epic. For Ana, witnessing her son experience this unique moment live was a culmination of her lifelong devotion and an emotional high point of the evening.
Ana vividly recalled Brian Johnson’s direct address to the roaring audience, stating that the night was “for you all,” a sentiment that deeply resonated with the tens of thousands present. This collective feeling of appreciation solidified a shared experience between the band and their devoted fanbase, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled excitement and camaraderie.
Navigating the quest for an autograph
Motivated by the success of her past, Ana attempted to arrange a post-show meeting with the musicians for her son, João Marcelo. She harbored a hopeful desire to secure an autograph and a photograph, echoing her own teenage triumph from nearly three decades prior, aiming to create a parallel memory for her child.
However, the contemporary landscape of artist interaction proved significantly different from her 1996 experience. Backstage access and fan-artist proximity are now governed by extensive security protocols, making direct encounters considerably more challenging for even the most dedicated and well-intentioned fans, a testament to the heightened demands of modern touring and security.
When Ana and her family sought an autograph for João Marcelo, their heartfelt request was met with a polite but firm refusal from security personnel. This moment was a stark contrast to her youthful memory, highlighting the evolution of celebrity protection and fan engagement strategies in the music industry over the years.
Ana succinctly captured the feeling of that moment, describing the emotional weight of the rejection with a powerful metaphor: “It felt like I was dumped by a great love,” a poignant reflection on the unfulfilled desire to share that personal, intimate connection with the legends of rock with her son.
A gesture of kindness transcends barriers
Despite the official barriers to a direct meeting with the band members, a small but profoundly meaningful connection was ultimately forged. Ana had thoughtfully prepared a special gift from Curitiba – a handcrafted bag from a local artisan, symbolizing a piece of her heritage – along with a heartfelt letter expressing her family’s enduring devotion to AC/DC.
These personal items were successfully delivered to Ellen Young, wife of Angus Young, who reportedly received them with genuine warmth and appreciation. Ana noted Ellen’s visible delight and the subsequent embrace, a moment of unexpected intimacy that transcended the formal boundaries and strict security measures, leaving a lasting impression.
While the hoped-for family photograph with the band members did not materialize, Ana found significant comfort and joy in the embrace with such a close member of the AC/DC family. This interaction reaffirmed her belief that small gestures of kindness and human connection could indeed supersede the imagined portrait, creating a unique and equally cherished memory.
Reflections on devotion and connection
Reflecting on her journey, Ana thoughtfully navigates between the nostalgia of her teenage fortune and the realism of current circumstances. She fondly remembers her brother’s lauded cassette tape and acknowledges personal losses that have added deeper meaning to her enduring devotion to AC/DC, shaping her perspective and resilience over the years.
Continuing the rock ‘n’ roll journey
Despite the ebb and flow of expectations, Ana firmly believes in the enduring power of music to bridge generational divides. This conviction is encapsulated in her succinct observation: “If they are on stage, it’s because they can still make 70,000 people jump,” underscoring the band’s lasting impact and undiminished vitality. Ana, her husband João Henrique, and their son João Marcelo are set to attend another AC/DC concert this Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Morumbis, continuing their family’s cherished rock ‘n’ roll narrative and building new memories together.