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

[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.

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.

Actually, I think the release of that 15 song masterpiece called Chinese Democracy validates the theory. In Axl's mind, it is the GNR record he always wanted to make. He did it his way and on his terms, like it or not. He was being true to himself even at the expense of burning up VERY VALUABLE time that could have been used to solidify the GNR legacy. He essentially "lost" his "thirties" putting together a band, writing music, and producing CD (1993 - 2001). He disappeared from public view at his prime and was missing in action during what could have been the summit of his musical career. Wasted years? Maybe to a lot fans. But to Axl, he made the record he wanted while processing his demons. Does he have any regrets? We may never know.
However, I'm still waiting for the official "tell all" story to come out to clear up all rumors and get the official story behind CD era and the eventual reunion. I want to know exactly what happened behind the scenes that causes CD to take so long. There could be a ton more music made during those 15 years that hasn't been released, yet. For multiple reasons. Possible even out of Axl's control.
So I'm withholding judgment . . .  for now.
But, as you said, now we have this tour.
As much as I defended the 2001 - 20014 line-up era, I always had a deep pining for Slash and Duff. Despite the amazing live shows, CD's brilliance, and the band's chemistry, deep down inside, there was still a void in my heart.

[Factory Girl]

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.

Again, he never said he's coming back to ACDC! If he had said that, first line of that statement would be: "dear fans, don't worry, I'm getting some treatment and I'm coming back asap." He can record and he can play small venues, but he never said that this is what they're doing, that this is the plan for ACDC.

He probably hopes he can do it somehow in the future, but it's not likely and he would never say it, he doesn't know what's gonna happen to him. The guy can't play stadiums anymore. And it's even less likely Angus will start to play small venues because Brian can't do it. Have you seem the ACDC aka Angus 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."

That doesn't screams: Brian, go get better, we love you, support you and we're waiting for you to come back.
But that's fine if you can't see it. Let's just agree to disagree.  

[D-GenerationX]

Agreed.  That letter is quite open ended and vague.

[slash&axl]

It's safe to assume that Axl is only doing these dates and then the band will decided what to do going forward more than likely without Axl. Maybe Brian will do a last studio album with Acdc and another singer to tour it

[Gman84]

Axl deserves a tonne of credit for doing this.  Firstly, for it to be his first true venture outside of G N' R after 30+ years takes some guts.  Secondly, for that first venture to be to go and front another legendary band in arenas/stadia knowing full well some of those fans will be against him no matter what.  At the same time I think he'll win a fair few people over.

I guess Axl is a good choice for AC/DC as he can appreciate how changes can affect a band and how you can never please all the people all the time.  I can't wait to see some of the videos and reports on how he does.  I really do think he'll do a superb job.

[HBK]

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

It's All Folks

 

[slashsbaconpit]

And here comes the ritual media frenzy of negative anti-Axl bullshit. Axl is helping a band meet its commitments prior to launching his own tour with GNR. Nothing to lose our shit about, and kinda fun if you like both bands. But the press always wants to put a negative spin on anything Axl related.

[Koskenkorvasieni]

via Imgflip Meme Maker

[lostdream]

 

http://youtu.be/odK7EKlzkZM

[gcluskey]

I wish the negativity about this would stop. A day will come when these guys will be too old to perform or they will pass away and we'll look back on their careers. It'd be a shame to not let this happen. A big NO to censorship

[ice cream sand pig]

^ good point. it's hard to appreciate what you have until it's gone. oh mexican food, words cannot express how much I miss you here on the other side of the ocean. sorry I took you for granted...

[jacob_uno]

I just bought my ticket for the sold out AC/DC/AXL show in Denmark! 46000 people rocking to Axl and AC/DC. It can only be a night of ROCK N ROLL!

[reayj2003]

So they've decided to offer refunds to those who don't want to see the Axl line up (at least in the uk).
Those who want face value tickets get booking now.

Surely there is a hell of a lot of people DO want to see this!

[Spirit]

So they've decided to offer refunds to those who don't want to see the Axl line up (at least in the uk).

Saw a report they're offering the same in Denmark.

[allwaystired]

Seemed a lot of people are taking up refund option looking at the amount of tickets officially back on sale

[JAEBALL]

Seemed a lot of people are taking up refund option looking at the amount of tickets officially back on sale

If one day Duff gets sick... Frank gets arrested for meth and Axl can't hear anymore....

and Slash gets a replacement singer no matter who it is to be Guns n Roses .. and I paid big money for a ticket to see him with Axl...

I'd probably ask for a refund too.

[Princess Leia]

So it looks like it's going to be an AC/DC tour with Axl fronting the band and a mostly GN'R fans 

[Annie]

So it looks like it's going to be an AC/DC tour with Axl fronting the band and a mostly GN'R fans 

Works for me. I plan on being one of those peeps.
Jarmo will you be attending any of the AC/DC shows in Europe?

[gunsbetterthanever]

Seemed a lot of people are taking up refund option looking at the amount of tickets officially back on sale

If one day Duff gets sick... Frank gets arrested for meth and Axl can't hear anymore....

and Slash gets a replacement singer no matter who it is to be Guns n Roses .. and I paid big money for a ticket to see him with Axl...

I'd probably ask for a refund too.

What if the singer was one of the greatest ever like Axl?

The concept is cool.
Axl lead singing AC/DC is for me the same as Axl and 2001-2014 band singing AC/DC covers for an entire show.

The Show could be called "Guns n Roses sings ACDC

[Paco1936]

According to Blabbermouth:

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/acdc-fans-who-dont-want-to-see-band-perform-with-axl-rose-can-get-their-money-back/