After a decadeslong drought, Axl Rose fans will have twice as many chances to hear him live going forward: He’ll be singing for AC/DC on the remaining dates of their Rock or Bust World Tour, the band announced via a statement on their website. Axl will replace longtime AC/DC singer Brian Johnson, who’s been with the band since the 1980 death of founding member Bon Scott. Whatever the band does going forward, it seems clear that Johnson will not be returning:
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. AC/DC will resume their Rock Or Bust World Tour with Axl Rose joining on vocals.
AC/DC announced in early March that Johnson had been advised by doctors to immediately cease touring “or risk total hearing loss.” The second half of their North American tour dates were canceled at that time; now they’ll be rescheduled with Axl, likely after he finishes Guns N’ Roses’ own reunion tour, which starts in earnest on June 23 after shows this week in Mexico City and at the Coachella music festival. Rolling Stone reports that AC/DC’s Angus Young joined Guns N’ Roses on stage at Coachella shortly after the announcement to play “Whole Lotta Rosie,” albeit without the giant locomotive-riding inflatable biker girl sometimes used in AC/DC concerts:
They also performed “Riff Raff.” (Like “Whole Lotta Rosie,” the song is from the Bon Scott era.) Rose will be singing on both tours while recovering from a broken foot, as he announced via the most rock ’n’ roll tweet ever, a video message from his foot and ankle specialist:
