Music
Axl Rose is officially the new singer of AC/DC
by Jesse Locke
April 18, 2016
The news was announced before Guns N' Roses' Coachella set, which also featured Angus Young.
If you’ve been waiting on the edge of your seat following the rumours of Axl Rose becoming the frontman of AC/DC, prepare to be thunderstruck. The Australian rockers sealed their deal with Axl moments before the reunited Guns N’ Roses hit the stage at Coachella. Read their official statement below:
“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.”
In another round of musical chairs, Angus Young also hopped onstage during GNR’s two and a half hour set for covers of AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie” and “Riff Raff.” Guns N’ Roses continued to pad out their setlist with covers of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”, Wings’ “Live and Let Die”, and the Misfits’ “Attitude.” Save something for Boomeroo!
Back in March, Brian Johnson was forced to stop touring with AC/DC due to hearing loss. There was some speculation unleashed by comedian (and close friend of the ex-AC/DC vocalist) Jim Breuer that Johnson had been “kicked to the curb”.
Now, Axl has beaten out other contenders like Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist and Gary the Squirrel for AC/DC’s coveted frontman spot on the remainder of their 2016 tour dates. I’m sure it was purely motivated by the kindness of his heart and didn’t have anything to do with massive paycheques for everyone involved.
