3/8: THE BRIAN JOHNSON AC/DC STORY
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.
Looks like they are offering a refund. This is from their website:
Tomorrow’s show in Atlanta through Madison Square Garden in New York, NY in early April will be made up later in the year, likely with a guest vocalist. More information regarding these rescheduled shows to come. Current ticket holders can hold on to their tickets for the rescheduled dates or receive a refund at point of purchase.
This news really sucks about Brian, but if AC/DC decide to continue on, the only “replacement” singer I can imagine taking his place would be Joel O’Keeffe from AIRBOURNE.
He can definitely do those songs justice.
D 🙂
C’mon Angus, grab Joel and get “Back In The Game!” 😉
I’m shocked that they’re going to continue with a replacement singer, even if just to fulfill touring obligations. As Eddie has said, all you need Angus + Brian to sell tickets to the majority of casual fans (whether or not major fans agree with that), but to do anything without Brian feels really odd.
That said, I have a bold prediction for who will fill in: Steven Tyler. He’s a big name to help sell tickets, he has the chops, he’s an AC/DC super-fan (he inducted them into the R&R Hall and said he’d love to tour with them), he was ready to front Zeppelin 8 years ago had that gone through, and he’s pretty available aside from that whole country thing. It just seems too logical.
Umm, no.
Someone call Jesse James Dupree!
I think the only man for the job is Jesse James Dupree of Jackyl. Brian has written a song for them and even preformed with them live. Jesse and Brian have very similar vocals and he is the only one I actually see making any sense to do the job. I saw AC/DC on the Black Ice tour in 2009 at Giants Stadium and saw them on the Rock Or Bust tour August 26th, 2015 at MetLife Stadium. I bought tickets to see them again for the this tour for April 1st, 2016 because of the fact that I may never see my favorite band play live or record another album again, and have talked to many who have said anytime AC/DC comes around they are there. AC/DC changed my life and I’m sure has changed yours too if you read this article and comments section. AC/DC has the best fan base and I’m sure the band will make the right decision as they have up to this point. Brian get better and I salute you and I hope to see you come back and kill the crowd like you always have, and if you are not able to thank you for some of the greatest days of my life and I hope you have the influence to help make the decision if you feel the band must go on without you.
Actually Jesse James Dupree was at the last ACDC show w/Brian Johnson played in Kansas City, its been talked about on the radio that they met backstage.