At one time it might have been unthinkable among metalhead purists – a singer from the Sunset Strip glam scene joining forces with the ultimate no-frills Australian hard rockers. But time has passed, both are now rock royalty, and with AC/DC having split with Brian Johnson (the band says it was his hearing issues, while Johnson’s friend Jim Breuer said and then retracted that he was “kicked to the curb”), there’s really only one guy in metal who can hit the same high notes and draw the same crowds.
Congratulations, Axl Rose. You are now headlining the two biggest rock tours in the world. Rumors flew when people saw Axl recording at the same studio as Angus Young and company, but yesterday AC/DC made an official statement…
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. The European stadium tour dates begin on May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal and run through June 12 in Aarhus, Denmark as previously announced (see below for full itinerary). 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. The 10 postponed U.S shows will be rescheduled and announced imminently, also with Axl Rose.
…and then at Coachella, Guns N’ Roses brought out Angus Young for some AC/DC covers including “Riff Raff” (above) and “Whole Lotta Rosie” (below; HT to Pitchfork.com) so the world could get a taste of what they’d sound like together. Speaking from this part of the world…it, well, rocks. (But am I alone in hoping “Who Made Who?” will be on the next setlist?)
Rose is currently just scheduled to do this tour with the band, though if they’ve been recording together, it’s possible more could come out of the combination. Can the mercurial frontman hang in for the long haul in two major bands? Well…
…wait for it…
…I’d say all he needs is just a little patience. And thus far, while his leg injury may have kept him from walking the streets at night, he is indeed clearly trying to get it right.
AC/DC with Axl Rose European tour dates are posted on their website, while the ten U.S. tours that were originally to feature Johnson and then postponed will be rescheduled to accommodate the GNR tour. Will this be Paradise City for all you headbangers? Is there even a hope of scoring tickets? We’ll find out–for now, speculate away in comments!
Featured Image: Wikimedia Commons/Ed Vill
