Shocking news from AC/DC about Brian. It was discussed tonight on my radio show at length with callers. One brought up the fact that Brian recently said on Howard Stern he injured his hearing racing, not playing in the band. Wonder if this is related to that vs AC/DC? I know Brian and interviewed him many times. Great guy! But I never knew hearing to be an issue when we talked like it is with others (Pete Townsend, Paul Gilbert, etc). The fact that they will bring in a new singer opens up much discussion. Is this a patch just to do these final dates? Or is it a relaunch of another 10 years of the band? That can have a huge impact on who they pick. New unknown vs star power. I do feel strongly that they should offer all fans a refund if they want to opt out. VERY hard to tell someone who wants to see AC/DC they are getting the same thing without the VOICE! But we have seen so much from so many bands and the AC/DC logo, name, music and Angus have always been the stars. I also know Brian thought he was done 10 years ago and Angus wanted to continue. Is this the opening for Angus to keep on another 10 years? Here’s the sad thing. We have likely seen the last of the band with Rudd, Malcolm and now Brian Johnson. In my view it’s time to end it. But they have the right to do what they want and it will be interesting to watch and see what fans accept.. One thing for sure, Brian is a class act and I wish him a speedy recovery and a get well soon. Hearing is nothing to mess with and can wreck your life if not taken care of.
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I love AC/DC, but I agree with you. AC/DC has been on an extended victory lap for over 25 years now. No song since “Thunderstruck” gets any play on radio or film/TV licensing (outside of promotional usage for new albums, which come and go quickly) and that was 26 years ago. I was surprised when they continued after Malcolm and then Phil left, but to continue without Brian? Too much.
When all is said and done, AC/DC’s career for the last 25 years is postscript. It’s still one hell of a career with an amazing body of music, though. Time to hang up the gloves.
For Those Too Old Too Rock, I STILL Salute You……but it’s time to go.
Brian has carried the torch a long way into retirement age. He deserves a permanent break if thats what it is. Sad it has to end this way. I’m excited and a bit pitious for the replacement singer, but yeah its a blow to the bands legitimacy. I hope they draft someone who has been in the trenches. I’d like to see them bring in Lzzy Hale!
Omg. Never thought of her but what a kick ass show that would be. She’s got the pipes. I can picture her belting out TNT and FormThose About tTo Rock.
I know Brian has said that his hearing loss is not related to the music, but having seen AC/DC on the Stiff Upper Lip tour inside a venue, the band wasn’t that loud compared others I’ve seen. By that I mean just the music. What was loud were the cannons they use for ‘For Those About To Rock’. They are insanely loud and situated just above the stage and band so having to endure that night after night on tour, they would have to protect their ears.
At least the AC/DC website does say refunds at the point of purchase. I can’t think of one person that could fill in, do a great job and have star power. Best suggestion I’ve seen is Sammy Hagar.
See I don’t think you need someone with star power. Just someone that fits in with the band and get the job done. Obviously they’d have to sing the songs. But look what they did when replacing an incredible frontman and icon like Bon Scott. They took a relative unknown in Brian Johnson and he took them to another level. I think they need to use the same formula.
I agree with many things you’ve said Eddie. Brian is an absolute class act and a man I’d love to share a beer with. Even though he’s a member of one of the biggest rock bands ever, he still seems like such an ordinary guy that people can identify with. Seeing a replacement for this tour would be hard for me. I do feel, however, after seeing the band perform at Gillete Stadium last August that they still have much to give the rock world. They are my favorite band of all time so I am, of course biased, but I’ve seen hundreds of rock shows in my life, and I think you’d have a hard time finding a better live Rock Band. If Angus wants to continue on with another singer for another 10 or so years, and make generation 3 of the band, I’m all for it. Who it could be would make for another, great discussion. That said, I wish Brian a speedy recovery and sincerely hope he can be back fronting the band for another 10 years. Maybe this is just a temporary setback, like a professional athlete getting injured and they have to sit out a season. From what me and probably 70000 people saw at Gillete last summer, Brian, Angus and the boys still can bring the house down, and I hope it’s not time to hang it up anytime soon.