It’s official: Axl Rose will fill in for Brian Johnson on the remainder of AC/DC‘s world tour dates and “Oh my god, this is such a surprise!” said no one ever.
After weeks of speculation, the Aussie rock titans have finally confirmed the news hundy per, and what’s more, they’ve waited til just before Axl was set to take the stage with the semi-reformed original Guns N’ Roses lineup at Coachella to do it.
The sly rock dogs’ spotlight-stealing statement reads:
“AC/DC band members would like to thank Brian Johnson for his contributions and dedication to the band throughout the years. We wish him all the best with his hearing issues and future ventures. As much as we want this tour to end as it started, we understand, respect and support Brian’s decision to stop touring and save his hearing. We are dedicated to fulfilling the remainder of our touring commitments to everyone that has supported us over the years, and are fortunate that Axl Rose has kindly offered his support to help us fulfill this commitment.”
As previously reported, Acca Dacca were forced to postpone the remainder of their Rock Or Bust world tour dates after vocalist Brian Johnson was ordered by doctors to stop touring immediately or else risk permanent hearing loss.
And it seems Axl will now be pulling double-duty with both juggernaut bands, who are both in the midst of monster tours. And, what’s more, he’ll be doing it with a broken foot.
It’s not yet known what the future holds in store for Acca Dacca once their world tour wraps up, now that their long time frontman has been permanently sidelined, but of course time will tell.
In the meantime, bring on Axl Dacca. You can’t deny that W. Axl Rose has the veteran status, vocal talent, rock n’ roll attitude and showmanship to do an AC/DC set justice.
Now all he has to do is show up on time.
Re-live GN’R’s 1987 live cover of Whole Lotta Rosie – along with AC/DC’s official statement – below.
UPDATE 17/04/16: Guns N’ Roses covered AC/DC during their Coachella set. They played Whole Lotta Rosie and Riff Raff and were joined by Angus Young.
Update 20/04/2016: Brian Johnson breaks his silence on his departure from the AC/DC – reveals the true extent of his hearing loss and how it was affecting him and the band.
Listen: Guns N’ Roses – Whole Lotta Rosie Live 1987
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPLWW390iqo
