CONGRATULATIONS: Mohamed Hanafy, CEO of Phoenix, Brings AC/DC Co-Founder Dave Evans to Egypt for Historic 50th Anniversary Concert
In a monumental leap for Egypt’s music and entertainment industry, Mohamed Hanafy, the visionary CEO of Phoenix Events & Media, has made international headlines by securing a groundbreaking event: the arrival of AC/DC’s original co-founder and lead vocalist Dave Evans for a once-in-a-lifetime concert celebrating 50 years since the band’s formation. The historic performance will take place in Cairo this September, marking the first AC/DC-related concert in Egyptian history.
This event is not just a concert—it’s a cultural moment that places Egypt firmly on the global music map.
A Vision Realized
Bringing Dave Evans to Egypt is the culmination of years of ambition, strategy, and cultural diplomacy spearheaded by Mohamed Hanafy. As the head of Phoenix, one of the country’s leading event management and media production companies, Hanafy has consistently advocated for greater international collaboration and the introduction of diverse musical genres into Egypt’s growing entertainment sector.
“Rock and roll has a massive underground following in Egypt,” said Hanafy in a press release. “But we’ve been waiting for an event that speaks not only to fans here, but to the world. Dave Evans was there at the very beginning of AC/DC. To have him perform here, celebrating 50 years of rock history, is a dream come true for us and for countless fans.”
Hanafy emphasized the broader vision behind the concert: to bridge cultural gaps through music, and to establish Egypt as a serious player in the global live events industry.
Dave Evans: The Founding Voice of a Rock Empire
Though Bon Scott and later Brian Johnson may be more widely known, it was Dave Evans who first gave voice to AC/DC, performing the band’s earliest tracks and helping shape their initial sound. As co-founder, Evans played an instrumental role in AC/DC’s foundation in Sydney in 1973 alongside brothers Angus and Malcolm Young.
Evans’ vocals graced the band’s debut single “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl,” a track that set the tone for the group’s legendary blend of hard rock and blues. After departing the band in 1974, Evans went on to carve out a successful solo career, touring globally and remaining a cult figure among rock aficionados.
Now, at 71, Evans shows no signs of slowing down. “Egypt is one of the most historic places on Earth,” Evans said in a video announcement shared by Phoenix. “To bring rock and roll here, to meet the fans, and to celebrate 50 years of AC/DC—it’s something I’ll never forget.”
The Concert: “Let There Be Rock – 50 Years of Thunder”
The event, titled “Let There Be Rock – 50 Years of Thunder,” is scheduled for September 20, 2025, at the Cairo International Stadium. The show will include a full live performance by Dave Evans and his international band, who will play classic AC/DC material from the early days, including “Rockin’ in the Parlour” and “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl,” alongside selections from Evans’ solo discography.
The show is part of a larger “Rock Weekend” curated by Phoenix, featuring meet-and-greets, a rock memorabilia exhibit, and musical workshops for aspiring Egyptian musicians. It will be Egypt’s first large-scale rock festival with international talent headlining.
Bridging Cultures, Building Legacy
Hanafy and Phoenix are also working closely with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to incorporate cultural heritage into the experience. Discussions are underway to film parts of the concert near iconic landmarks, such as the Pyramids of Giza or the Cairo Citadel, for promotional use worldwide.
“This isn’t just about one night of music,” Hanafy said. “It’s about legacy—both the legacy of rock and the timeless legacy of Egypt. This event brings the two together in a way no one has done before.”
Global Buzz and Local Excitement
Since the announcement, social media and international music forums have been buzzing with anticipation. Fans from around the world are planning to travel to Egypt for the historic concert. Ticket pre-registrations have already exceeded 10,000, with full ticket sales set to open on June 15.
Local rock communities—often underrepresented in Egypt’s mainstream media—have voiced overwhelming support. For many Egyptian fans, this is a long-awaited acknowledgment of a subculture that has thrived in private venues and underground scenes for decades.
Looking Ahead
With Dave Evans’ performance, Phoenix and Mohamed Hanafy are signaling a bold new chapter for entertainment in the Middle East. Egypt is no longer just a backdrop for history—it’s becoming a living, breathing part of global musical evolution.
“Music is a universal language,” Hanafy said. “We’re not just making history. We’re making noise the world can hear.”
Tickets for “Let There Be Rock – 50 Years of Thunder” go on sale June 15 via PhoenixEvents.com and official outlets.
