...and it's Axl Rose.

Brian Johnson abruptly quit the tour, in fear of permamently losing his hearing. Rose will replace him on the remaining dates throughout Europe.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ac-dc-confirm-axl-rose-is-new-lead-singer-joining-band-on-tour-20160416

______________________________

The rumors have been confirmed: Just hours before Guns N' Roses are scheduled to take the stage for their triumphant reunion gig at Coachella, AC/DC formally announced that – before GN'R's Not in This Lifetime Tour kicks off – Axl Rose will first join them as vocalist for the remaining dates of their Rock or Bust trek.

"AC/DC will resume their Rock Or Bust World Tour with Axl Rose joining on vocals," the band announced in a statement Saturday. Rose will take the place of longtime AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson, who was forced to abruptly quit touring with the group or risk "total hearing loss."

"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," the band said. "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."

The band continued, "The European stadium tour dates begin on May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal and run through June 12 in Aarhus, Denmark as previously announced. Following this European run of dates with AC/DC, Axl Rose will head out on his Guns N' Roses, 'Not In This Lifetime' Summer Stadium Tour."

AC/DC added that the 10 U.S. shows postponed by Johnson's sudden departure will also be rescheduled with Rose handling vocals.

AC/DC with Axl Rose European Tour Dates
May 7 - Lisbon, Portugal @ Passeio Maritimo De Alges
May 10 - Seville, Spain @ Estadio De La Cartuja
May 13 - Marseille, France @ Stade Velodrome
May 16 - Werchter, Belgium @ Werchter Site
May 19 - Vienna, Austria @ Erns-Happel Stadium
May 22 - Prague, Czech Republic @ Letnany Airport
May 26 - Hamburg, Germany @ Volksparkstadion
May 29 - Berne, Switzerland @ Stade De Suisse
June 1 - Leipzig, Germany @ Red Bull Arena
June 4 - London, England @ The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
June 9 - Manchester, England @ Etihad Stadium
June 12 - Aarhus, Denmark @ Ceres Park

oh lawd no

It's just not the same.

I think he might be able to pull it off but only because there seem to be 3 days off between each show. He has to rest his voice and keep up his workout routine. His voice seems to be back or at least enough to pull off a decent GnR reunion. And you have to admit, this is not half bad.....

[Edited 4/17/16 8:59am]

I can't relate to the complaints. It's a very kind thing to do by Axl. With just some random new vocalist the tour probably wouldn't be as interesting to concert attenders.

luv4u said:

It's just not the same.

You think?? Well, Brian can't do it, so they need someone else. Good choice, looking forward to that.

PatrickS77 said:

luv4u said:

It's just not the same.

You think?? Well, Brian can't do it, so they need someone else. Good choice, looking forward to that.

Yeah. Definitely. Looking forward to Axl pulling it off. He did not have to do it.

Found this:

Brian Johnson downplays hearing issues, says he was "kicked to the curb" by AC/DC

http://consequenceofsound...curb-acdc/

^ ^ ^ ^

Not according to his own statement:

"As many AC/DC fans know, the remaining shows for the 2016 AC/DC Rock or Bust World Tour, including 10 postponed U.S. shows, are being rescheduled with a guest singer. I want personally to explain the reason because I don’t believe the earlier press releases sufficiently set out what I wanted to say to our fans or the way in which I thought it should be presented.

On March 7th, after a series of examinations by leading physicians in the field of hearing loss, I was advised that if I continue to perform at large venues, I risked total deafness. While I was horrified at the reality of the news that day, I had for a time become aware that my partial hearing loss was beginning to interfere with my performance on stage.

I was having difficulty hearing the guitars on stage and because I was not able to hear the other musicians clearly, I feared the quality of my performance could be compromised. In all honesty this was something I could not in good conscience allow. Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can’t deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC. I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond. That was the darkest day of my professional life.

Since that day, I have had several consultations with my doctors and it appears that, for the near future, I will be unable to perform on stage at arena and stadium size venues where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness. Until that time, I tried as best as I could to continue despite the pain and hearing loss but it all became too much to bear and too much to risk.

I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine. The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before. Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life’s work. I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice. The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person.

Most importantly, I feel terrible having to disappoint the fans who bought tickets for the canceled shows and who have steadfastly supported me and AC/DC these many years. Words cannot express my deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks not just for the recent outpouring to me personally of kind words and good wishes, but also for the years of loyal support of AC/DC. My thanks also go to Angus and Cliff for their support.

Finally, I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring. My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that. For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic. Only time will tell.

Once again, my sincere best wishes and thanks to everyone for their support and understanding."

Love,
Brian

TrivialPursuit said:

^ ^ ^ ^

Not according to his own statement:

"As many AC/DC fans know, the remaining shows for the 2016 AC/DC Rock or Bust World Tour, including 10 postponed U.S. shows, are being rescheduled with a guest singer. I want personally to explain the reason because I don’t believe the earlier press releases sufficiently set out what I wanted to say to our fans or the way in which I thought it should be presented.

On March 7th, after a series of examinations by leading physicians in the field of hearing loss, I was advised that if I continue to perform at large venues, I risked total deafness. While I was horrified at the reality of the news that day, I had for a time become aware that my partial hearing loss was beginning to interfere with my performance on stage.

I was having difficulty hearing the guitars on stage and because I was not able to hear the other musicians clearly, I feared the quality of my performance could be compromised. In all honesty this was something I could not in good conscience allow. Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can’t deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC. I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond. That was the darkest day of my professional life.

Since that day, I have had several consultations with my doctors and it appears that, for the near future, I will be unable to perform on stage at arena and stadium size venues where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness. Until that time, I tried as best as I could to continue despite the pain and hearing loss but it all became too much to bear and too much to risk.

I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine. The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before. Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life’s work. I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice. The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person.

Most importantly, I feel terrible having to disappoint the fans who bought tickets for the canceled shows and who have steadfastly supported me and AC/DC these many years. Words cannot express my deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks not just for the recent outpouring to me personally of kind words and good wishes, but also for the years of loyal support of AC/DC. My thanks also go to Angus and Cliff for their support.

Finally, I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring. My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that. For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic. Only time will tell.

Once again, my sincere best wishes and thanks to everyone for their support and understanding."

Love,
Brian

Sad but I guess being one of the loudest bands in the world caused it. Or maybe it was the cannons during For Those About To Rock.

Do most not all musicians wear ear buds???

I think it's the beginning of the end of AC/DC

luv4u said:

Do most not all musicians wear ear buds???

I think it's the beginning of the end of AC/DC

I assumed time was short when Malcolm had to retire. It seems very unlikely they can go on at this point.

luv4u said:

Do most not all musicians wear ear buds???

I think it's the beginning of the end of AC/DC

AC/DC was around well before in-ear monitors were around. They had years and years of stadiums and concert arenas with standard on-stage monitors, like any other band. Even with an in-air, the noise in the room can still be heard a bit.

Folks like Pete Townsend have lost their hearing too, although Pete had a kick start with his.

time to give up....theyre all falling apart..the old geezers

EddieC said:

luv4u said:

Do most not all musicians wear ear buds???

I think it's the beginning of the end of AC/DC

I assumed time was short when Malcolm had to retire. It seems very unlikely they can go on at this point.

While I can see that point, to some extent an instrumentalist can be replaced a tad easier than the voice of a band. Of course Malcolm's contributions to AC/DC are invaluable, but I never saw his unfortunate departure as a sign of the end.

They are having a lot of internal issues, with the drummer's arrest, Brian's hearing emergency. The article did say that Brian would be able to play smaller venues and be okay. It's the larger stadiums, etc that could cause more damage.

Few bands have replaced a lead singer and stayed successful. Van Halen (except the one album with Gary Cherone, AC/DC, Motley Crue (except that one album with that other dude), Chicago, to name a few. INXS failed miserably at it.

Not sure if AC/DC can hold up with so many changes in such quick succession. But still - what a run they've had.

Was glad to see those guys several years ago. But it was one of the ear-splittingest concerts I've been to this side of Public Enemy.

TrivialPursuit said:

EddieC said:

I assumed time was short when Malcolm had to retire. It seems very unlikely they can go on at this point.

While I can see that point, to some extent an instrumentalist can be replaced a tad easier than the voice of a band. Of course Malcolm's contributions to AC/DC are invaluable, but I never saw his unfortunate departure as a sign of the end.

They are having a lot of internal issues, with the drummer's arrest, Brian's hearing emergency. The article did say that Brian would be able to play smaller venues and be okay. It's the larger stadiums, etc that could cause more damage.

Few bands have replaced a lead singer and stayed successful. Van Halen (except the one album with Gary Cherone, AC/DC, Motley Crue (except that one album with that other dude), Chicago, to name a few. INXS failed miserably at it.

Not sure if AC/DC can hold up with so many changes in such quick succession. But still - what a run they've had.

The Rolling Stones may outlive them all

3rdeyedude said:

TrivialPursuit said:

^ ^ ^ ^

Not according to his own statement:

"As many AC/DC fans know, the remaining shows for the 2016 AC/DC Rock or Bust World Tour, including 10 postponed U.S. shows, are being rescheduled with a guest singer. I want personally to explain the reason because I don’t believe the earlier press releases sufficiently set out what I wanted to say to our fans or the way in which I thought it should be presented.

On March 7th, after a series of examinations by leading physicians in the field of hearing loss, I was advised that if I continue to perform at large venues, I risked total deafness. While I was horrified at the reality of the news that day, I had for a time become aware that my partial hearing loss was beginning to interfere with my performance on stage.

I was having difficulty hearing the guitars on stage and because I was not able to hear the other musicians clearly, I feared the quality of my performance could be compromised. In all honesty this was something I could not in good conscience allow. Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can’t deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC. I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond. That was the darkest day of my professional life.

Since that day, I have had several consultations with my doctors and it appears that, for the near future, I will be unable to perform on stage at arena and stadium size venues where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness. Until that time, I tried as best as I could to continue despite the pain and hearing loss but it all became too much to bear and too much to risk.

I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine. The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before. Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life’s work. I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice. The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person.

Most importantly, I feel terrible having to disappoint the fans who bought tickets for the canceled shows and who have steadfastly supported me and AC/DC these many years. Words cannot express my deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks not just for the recent outpouring to me personally of kind words and good wishes, but also for the years of loyal support of AC/DC. My thanks also go to Angus and Cliff for their support.

Finally, I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring. My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that. For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic. Only time will tell.

Once again, my sincere best wishes and thanks to everyone for their support and understanding."

Love,
Brian

Sad but I guess being one of the loudest bands in the world caused it. Or maybe it was the cannons during For Those About To Rock.

Well. Actually it was the car racing, where there was an incident. Not the music. But yeah, it's sad that he has to stop like this. Either way, I just got a ticket for Prague, can't pass up AXL/DC.