Axl confirmed as new singer for AC/DC tour (June 1, 2016: US dates announced)

[jamillos22]

By my math, Axl should already be able to walk at the AC/DC shows.

[lostdream]

I am glad he spoke up. He must be heartbroken - I feel SO sorry for him. Still...good he issued it.

[GypsySoul]

Brian has released a statement confirming the hearing loss story.

He also thanks Angus and Cliff, seems to be no hard feelings against them.

AC/DC's Brian Johnson Isn't Retiring from the Band
AC/DC'S BRIAN JOHNSON
DON'T BURY ME YET
I'm Still Our Lead Singer

http://www.tmz.com/2016/04/19/acdc-brian-johnson-not-retiring/



Sorry Axl Rose ... AC/DC's Brian Johnson is "no quitter" and wants everyone to know his hearing issues will NOT force him to retire from the band.

On the heels of the news Axl's taking over lead singer duties for AC/DC's remaining European tour dates ... Johnson says, doctors advised him to stop performing shows in arenas or stadiums "where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness."

However, he says he's still good to go in studio, and plans to do that when AC/DC records again. Brian will also continue getting treatments, and "I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances."

In other words ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EexwySX2aKU

[D-GenerationX]

Angus does not come off well here.

[Annie]

Angus does not come off well here.

That will all change when he and Axl blow the roof off of all of these shows!

[GypsySoul]

Angus does not come off well here.

How does Angus not come off well here since Brian has released a statement thanking him and Cliff and is planning to resume doing studio work and hopeful to be able to perform live again??

Brian has released a statement confirming the hearing loss story.

He also thanks Angus and Cliff, seems to be no hard feelings against them.

AC/DC's Brian Johnson Isn't Retiring from the Band
he says he's still good to go in studio, and plans to do that when AC/DC records again. Brian will also continue getting treatments, and "I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances."

[D-GenerationX]

How does Angus not come off well here since Brian has released a statement thanking him and Cliff and is planning to resume doing studio work and hopeful to be able to perform live again??

Sources suggest Angus Young now has all the band members on contract, leaving him able to hire and fire as he wishes.

Fink said some of the reports in his book about how the Young brothers operate AC/DC as a business have been vindicated in the last year.

"Angus and Malcolm are fairly ruthless with their own band members. You only have to look at (original bassist) Mark Evans, Phil Rudd and now Brian. Ever since he joined Brian has been an incredibly loyal lieutenant to the Young brothers, especially Angus in recent times. He follows the script, he says what he has to say, I dont think anyone thought Brian would be cast aside like that."

Fink said replacing Johnson with Rose is the first step in ensuring AC/DC can remain a lucrative touring act.

"There's a bigger picture here. 'Rock or Bust' only went gold in the US. Bands aren't making money from album sales, just touring. AC/DC can get up to $4 million a show. They're one of the most profitable and lucrative touring acts in the world. That's where the Young family are making their money. They can't keep on doing that with a guy who can no longer hit the right notes, which is the problem Brian was having.

Johnsons voice was singled out in reviews of the Rock or Bust shows as being noticeably compromised.

"I thought Brian sang pretty badly," Fink said. "I don't think that was an isolated opinion. It was very much the Angus Young show on the last tour. But what the people running the AC/DC organization now don't understand is the profile of the typical AC/DC fan. They see the band as very much a part of their family. They've developed this great kinship and loyalty to Brian Johnson. It's really not about can Axl Rose sing better than Brian Johnson on 'Whole Lotta Rosie,' its about how AC/DC are a family to them and they dont like the way this man has been treated.

"To misunderstand your fanbase so monumentally is quite staggering. I go to all the AC/DC fansites and read all the comments and 99-per-cent of the fans are disgusted. The true AC/DC loyalists don't want to have anything to do with this group, they don't see it as AC/DC. AC/DC is more than Angus Young. He's a very important part of AC/DC but all the little parts were important, that was Malcolm and Phil and Brian. Its extremely bewildering. Those four letters, that band, that brand, is an extremely important part of the fans lives. They've invested so much time and money and emotion into that band and they feel betrayed."

This doesn't only sound like what Axl himself had to endure when he tried what he tried, this seems worse.

At least Axl had a split fanbase.  Sound like Angus is facing near uniform opposition.

Part of me wonders if in a private moment that Axl would pull Angus aside and tell him...take it from me, this ultimately will not work.

[GypsySoul]

This doesn't only sound like what Axl himself had to endure when he tried what he tried, this seems worse.

At least Axl had a split fanbase.  Sound like Angus is facing near uniform opposition.

Part of me wonders if in a private moment that Axl would pull Angus aside and tell him...take it from me, this ultimately will not work.

I previously address this so I'm quoting myself.
And again, Brian has now issued statements that he has no problem with Angus and is looking forward to rejoining (pun intended) AC/DC so I think that should help appease the AC/DC fans for the time being.

My point is:  Let the AC/DC fans vent - especially on their own fan site!  This is happening whether they all like it or not.  As I see it, all Angus is trying to do at the moment, is honor the already scheduled AC/DC tour dates.  At some point he/they will decide to permanently replace Brian or close up shop.

If there's one person in the universe who should be able to soldier on despite some AC/DC fans having a negative opinion of him being there, it's Axl!

If there's one person in the universe who should be able to relate and assist Angus Young to get Angus and the band through this transition, it's Axl!

If there's one person in the universe who should be able to pave the way and make it an easier transition for whomever the next/permanent replacement is for Brian, it's Axl!

[SkeletorSerpent]

The difference is that die hard AC/DC fans feel like Angus is "selling out" for money and fame and trying to squeeze every last ounce of profit out of the AC/DC brand and/or legacy; whereas, some die hard GNR fans felt Axl wasn't "selling out," he was being driven my an exclusive musical direction in order to "keep alive" GNR's legacy and recreate it in his own grand, artistic vision. I don't remember anyone every claiming that Axl was "selling out."
We believed Axl was pursuing musical integrity at the cost of nostalgia, vintage legacy, fraternal brotherhood, and above all, even MONEY. Axl eschewed all these things in his quest to maintain and reclaim the GNR sound and musical legacy.

[GypsySoul]

Well hopefully Brian speaking up now will take away some of the hate directed at Angus and maybe some of those fans will be more open now to hearing what Axl can bring to these shows since they know it's a temporary gig.

And if not, hopefully the haters will give up their tickets so GNR fans can grab them!

[SkeletorSerpent]

This doesn't only sound like what Axl himself had to endure when he tried what he tried, this seems worse.

At least Axl had a split fanbase.  Sound like Angus is facing near uniform opposition.

Part of me wonders if in a private moment that Axl would pull Angus aside and tell him...take it from me, this ultimately will not work.

I previously address this so I'm quoting myself.
And again, Brian has now issued statements that he has no problem with Angus and is looking forward to rejoining (pun intended) AC/DC so I think that should help appease the AC/DC fans for the time being.

My point is:  Let the AC/DC fans vent - especially on their own fan site!  This is happening whether they all like it or not.  As I see it, all Angus is trying to do at the moment, is honor the already scheduled AC/DC tour dates.  At some point he/they will decide to permanently replace Brian or close up shop.

If there's one person in the universe who should be able to soldier on despite some AC/DC fans having a negative opinion of him being there, it's Axl!

If there's one person in the universe who should be able to relate and assist Angus Young to get Angus and the band through this transition, it's Axl!

If there's one person in the universe who should be able to pave the way and make it an easier transition for whomever the next/permanent replacement is for Brian, it's Axl!

Yeah, but is Johnson fully "reliable"? There are a lot of voices (fans and journalists) out there claiming that this is a "smoke screen" in order for Johnson to save face and have a soft landing. What old time rocker wants to admit that he is being fired, or excused because he can't "sing anymore?" Is it possible that this was a legitimate, plausible, and respectful "way out" for Johnson and AC/DC? Everyone saves face and Johnson leaves his fans with the promise that he will be back?
Perhaps, this was a way for him to "rest his vocal chords" and regroup? Kicking a lead singer out of a band "because he can't sing anymore" doesn't sound rock n roll and it doesn't sound civil. It leads to bad press that can't be good for a veteran rock band still trying to make records and fill stadiums. It would paint the picture that AC/DC are in fact a "dinosaur" band who are getting old and wearing out. On the contrary, blowing out one's ears because your band plays too fucking loud for too fucking long  . . .  now that sounds rock n roll. That narrative can be marketed. 

Now, this all presupposes that AC/DC is lying in order to save face for the band and Johnson. But, there are enough voices out there implying this reality . . .

[Bridge]

Personally, I know many AC/DC fans who have no problem with Axl, and are big GNR fans. They like Axl's vocals and wouldn't deny that he is a much stronger vocalist now than Johnson.

BUT, according to them, that is not the point. It has always been about the bond, the fraternal brotherhood of a "no bullshit" band.

I think many AC/DC fans are just heart broken at the slow demise of their band-- the problems with Rudd and the loss of Malcolm to dementia is too much. They feel like they've "lost their band" and essentially one original member can't hold it together and keep the "AC/DC magic" alive.

All of which is exactly what I've been saying all along.  We'll have to see how well these Axl/DC shows go.  I'm sure the GNR fans that attend will enjoy it, but I'm curious as to how the AC/DC fans in attendance will feel.  We all know GNR fans have never hesitated to heckle Axl at his own shows (e.g. the "asshole" chant, throwing things, etc), so we'll have to see how well accepted he is amongst people who are even less tolerant and familiar with him.

here is Johnson's take on it: http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/19/entertainment/brian-johnson-ac-dc/index.html

Here is another link...

BRIAN JOHNSON
I AM NOT RETIRING
https://www.yahoo.com/music/ousted-ac-dc-singer-releases-093000635.html

I really feel bad for Brian after reading that.  

And if not, hopefully the haters will give up their tickets so GNR fans can grab them!

This creates an interesting scenario.  Potentially, AC/DC shows could be full of fans who aren't fans of AC/DC.  They're just there because of Axl!   

[GypsySoul]

And if not, hopefully the haters will give up their tickets so GNR fans can grab them!

This creates an interesting scenario.  Potentially, AC/DC shows could be full of fans who aren't fans of AC/DC.  They're just there because of Axl!   

Axl and GNR have a really wide range of ages of their fans and there are A LOT of really really young fans.

Hopefully, these Axl/DC gigs will give the younger GNR fans and those GNR fans not too familiar with AC/DC an opportunity to open this world to them.

[Factory Girl]

Brian has released a statement confirming the hearing loss story.

He also thanks Angus and Cliff, seems to be no hard feelings against them.

AC/DC's Brian Johnson Isn't Retiring from the Band
AC/DC'S BRIAN JOHNSON
DON'T BURY ME YET
I'm Still Our Lead Singer

http://www.tmz.com/2016/04/19/acdc-brian-johnson-not-retiring/



Sorry Axl Rose ... AC/DC's Brian Johnson is "no quitter" and wants everyone to know his hearing issues will NOT force him to retire from the band.

On the heels of the news Axl's taking over lead singer duties for AC/DC's remaining European tour dates ... Johnson says, doctors advised him to stop performing shows in arenas or stadiums "where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness."

However, he says he's still good to go in studio, and plans to do that when AC/DC records again. Brian will also continue getting treatments, and "I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances."

In other words ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EexwySX2aKU

This article is a tmz interpretation of Brian's original statement. Well it's tmz, so it's not surprising,
They're claiming he said stuff that he never actualy said. Brian himself doesn't know what's gonna happen and he's very clear about that.

[aaronjcurtis]

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na na. THUNDER!!!

LOL. Can't wait for that w/Axl on vox.

[GypsySoul]

This article is a tmz interpretation of Brian's original statement. Well it's tmz, so it's not surprising,
They're claiming he said stuff that he never actualy said. Brian himself doesn't know what's gonna happen and he's very clear about that.

There is nothing in the TMZ article that Brian didn't actually say.
Here's his actual statement:

AC/DC's Brian Johnson issues statement on hearing loss, future with band
by Chuck Yarborough, The Plain Dealer
http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/04/acdcs_brian_johnson_issues_sta.html

CLEVELAND, Ohio--Fans of AC/DC have wondered about the truth behind Axl Rose replacing Brian Johnson as lead singer for the current--and probably future--tours.

The announced reason is that Johnson's hearing has been so badly damaged by nearly 40 years of hard rock shows that playing those gigs any more would leave him permanently deaf.

Johnson has opted to speak out, and released this statement today through his publicist:

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 [Young] and Cliff [Williams] 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

[Factory Girl]

This article is a tmz interpretation of Brian's original statement. Well it's tmz, so it's not surprising,
They're claiming he said stuff that he never actualy said. Brian himself doesn't know what's gonna happen and he's very clear about that.

There is nothing in the TMZ article that Brian didn't actually say.
Here's his actual statement:

AC/DC's Brian Johnson issues statement on hearing loss, future with band
by Chuck Yarborough, The Plain Dealer
http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/04/acdcs_brian_johnson_issues_sta.html

CLEVELAND, Ohio--Fans of AC/DC have wondered about the truth behind Axl Rose replacing Brian Johnson as lead singer for the current--and probably future--tours.

The announced reason is that Johnson's hearing has been so badly damaged by nearly 40 years of hard rock shows that playing those gigs any more would leave him permanently deaf.

Johnson has opted to speak out, and released this statement today through his publicist:

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 [Young] and Cliff [Williams] 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

He said he's not retiring, he never said he's coming back to AC/DC. It's completely different. Maybe he hopes can do it somehow, but never said he will.
Besides, the ACDC statement is almost a goodbye letter minus the emotional attachment.

[D-GenerationX]

The difference is that die hard AC/DC fans feel like Angus is "selling out" for money and fame and trying to squeeze every last ounce of profit out of the AC/DC brand and/or legacy; whereas, some die hard GNR fans felt Axl wasn't "selling out," he was being driven my an exclusive musical direction in order to "keep alive" GNR's legacy and recreate it in his own grand, artistic vision. I don't remember anyone every claiming that Axl was "selling out."
We believed Axl was pursuing musical integrity at the cost of nostalgia, vintage legacy, fraternal brotherhood, and above all, even MONEY. Axl eschewed all these things in his quest to maintain and reclaim the GNR sound and musical legacy.

True.

Of course, then he released 15 songs in 15 years, and that theory pretty much went down the shitter.

Plus side, got it out of his system, and now we have this tour.  As I see it, everyone came out ahead on this thing.

[GypsySoul]

He said he's not retiring, he never said he's coming back to AC/DC. It's completely different. Maybe he hopes can do it somehow, but never said he will.
Besides, the ACDC statement is almost a goodbye letter minus the emotional attachment.

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.

While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic.

[D-GenerationX]

He said he's not retiring, he never said he's coming back to AC/DC. It's completely different. Maybe he hopes can do it somehow, but never said he will.
Besides, the ACDC statement is almost a goodbye letter minus the emotional attachment.

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.

While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic.

Where in that quoted bit does he say he's recording with AC/DC?

Did I miss that?