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.
3/8: THE BRIAN JOHNSON AC/DC STORY
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I say get Jim Breuer; he did a great Brian impersonation on TMS! Seriously, though, I am with you on this one, Eddie: time to pack it in or this band becomes just like Foreigner. I get that Angus is still relatively young and healthy and wants to continue rocking—but he can do without the AC/DC brand name—-it is time to respectfully retire that now IMO.
I saw Foreigner a couple years ago. Good show with good musicians but not really the real thing. That said I think AC/DC is different. I mean seriously I know foreigner was a mega band for about 8 years from the late seventies to mid eighties, but inmo they are not anywhere nearly in the same league as AC/DC. I mean you can only count a handful of acts that can sell out stadiums worldwide. They are one of the biggest bands in the world. I just don’t see them being ready to hang it up yet. They still give one of the best live rock shows you will ever see. I can see with some bands it’s time to hang it up, but not AC//DC. I may be biased because I just don’t want it to end, but personally I don’t think it’s time.
I remember the Stones had issues with insurance when they postponed shows a few years ago, and Pete Townshend had said one of the reasons they carried on immediately after Entwistle died was the insurance hit they would have incurred if they cancelled the announced shows would have been enormous (not to mention the hit the road crew would have taken, another thing Townshend had mentioned). You think that may be a factor in them only postponing instead of cancelling? (if that is the case, hopefully they do the announced shows and call it a day after).
I think from all indications, this was going to be the last tour. Rock of Bust was the fulfillment of their contract with the record company, as Angus has pointed out. I am surprised by the “replacement vocalist”. Surely this is just to fulfill the remaining concert dates. I saw them when they were in Houston last week and it was a great show. But it was different without Malcolm and Phil. I had seen them several times in 88′ when Stevie was on tour with them. But this felt different, final.
I think that Angus and Company are going to let Brian have time off to heal up /see where his hearing is at the end of the line of tour dates.
meanwhile They’ll honor the current dates and either use a guest Vocalist [Halford]? or get somebody that is close to Brian’s vocal sound and finish the current dates.
Of Course this could be the Opportunity for Angus to bring in a new and younger Vocalist and continue for a few more years too.
Remember When People thought AC/DC were dead in the water when Bon Scott Died and then the Brought in Brian and it went onward and upward!
I’d like to see a Final show Pro recorded for DVD and Cd somewhere down the line with Brian and Phil, Simon, Mark and a final Bow with Mal Coming out at the very End.
But Right now Everything is Just Talk and Talk Is Cheap!!
I remember on your show how he offered an audience member his autograph on his book that she had won by Stumping the Trunk. “It’s me job!” he said. That really stuck with me. One of my favorite That Metal Show moments.
He’s absolutely the real deal. When I was 15, I was in Sarasota visiting my Grandparents. My Grandma told me a rock star was building a house down the street and it was almost done. I walked over to the house and the gate was open. No one answered the intercom when I pressed it, so I walked up and knocked on the door. Brian Johnson opened the door. I was floored as I had seen them on the Razors Edge tour a year before in Chicago, and was a huge fan. I told him my Grandma told me a rock star was building a house down the street, and he invited me in and took me around his memorabilia room and a lot of the house. We chatted for a few minutes, he signed an autograph for me and I was on my way. He didn’t have to do any of that, but was happy to take 20 mins out of his day for some kid who’s Grandparents lived down the street. I still have that personalized autograph hanging in my office. He’s a fantastic man and I wish nothing but the best for him!