AC/DC has made it official. Axl Rose is their new singer. He’s replacing Brian Johnson, who split with the band after his doctors said he was at risk of permanently losing his hearing. Brian had been with AC/DC since 1980. In a statement, AC/DC thanked him for his contributions, and said they “understood and respected” his decision to stop touring to save his hearing. It’s interesting they put it that way, since Brian’s friend Jim Breuer claimed he was being squeezed out of the band, and that it wasn’t his decision. In any event, Brian hasn’t commented.
AC/DC says Axl will sing for them on their European tour, which kicks off next month. There are 12 shows in all. He’ll also do the 10 U.S. shows that were postponed, but those haven’t been rescheduled yet. There was no mention of AC/DC playing with Guns N’ Roses on their summer tour though, which was a rumor going around.
Axl isn’t permanently joining AC/DC yet. The band just said he’d “offered his support” to fulfill their touring commitment. So there’s no indication that they’ll continue together after that, assuming AC/DC keeps going.
Also, Guns N’ Roses headlined at Coachella on Saturday night, and Axl brought out guitarist Angus Young for two AC/DC covers, “Whole Lotta Rosie” and “Riff Raff”. Axl said, “Since I can’t run around for you, we’re gonna bring out a friend, put a little life into things for us.”
Axl’s bum leg had him sitting on his throne again, on loan from Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters.
