Dave Lifton of Ultimate Classic Rock reports:
Add AC/DC to the list of people who disagree with Gene Simmons‘ headline-making proclamation earlier this year that “rock is dead”.
In an exclusive interview with Ultimate Classic Rock (see video below), Angus Young and Brian Johnson declare the genre to be “alive and kicking.”
Young and Johnson were asked about Simmons’ statement. “With all respect to the lad,” Brian Johnson said. “I think he’s terribly wrong for a start. I really do. I don’t think anybody should have the nerve to stand there and just say that a certain genre of music has just ff—- disappeared overnight…Well, I’m here to tell you, Gene, you’re wrong. And I’m saying it’s alive and kicking. My name’s Brian. How do you do?”
Angus Young added his thoughts on the matter — “It’s been a long, long, long funeral” — before going on to give young bands the benefit of his four decades of experience. “If they think they’ve really got something,” he said. “They ought to stick with it…When people find their direction and…they finally kind of define what they are as a band, then they should hang on to that.
AC/DC’s new album, Rock or Bust will be released on December 2nd.
[Ed’s note: Thanks to David S. for passing this along]
source: ultimateclassicrock.com
64 Responses
It’s funny Gene Simmons says “Rock is dead” because the REAL reality is KISS today needs help (Motley Crue/Def Leppard) to sell tickets………………….Angus Young & Brian Johnson proclaim “Rock isn’t dead” because AC/DC doesn’t nor has never needed help (Motley Crue/Def Leppard or any1 else) to sell out Arena’s. Gene or Paul aren’t smooth when they open up their mouths. They sell their “stories” to the weak minded fools but it has become very evident that what they say has been irrelevant. Nobody is buying their frivolous crap anymore. Brian and Angus are LEGENDS
Gene Simmons is more legendary and more of a household name and more associated with heavy metal than anybody else ever. This is the best metal site going and while PAUL STANLEY is hot currently, I’ll bet GENE SIMMONS name and demon references are more common than any person or band in comments as well as actual stories.
Right Joe, but they also get away with touring with barely any original members and their new single sucks, IMO. Stay warm and be safe!
Gene Simmons = 2nd highest net worth base player in history. Tied with Sting and second only to McCartney. Came to this united land of our without a lick of English in his brain. I think I know where I’m leaning.
Pete….. It is actually going 2b 64 degrees here on Monday. Look I really do love Gene and Paul….but when they open up their mouths on a continuous basis with frivolous BS…..forget it. I have no more tolerance for that
Came across a fantastic Bon Scott story. Those of you that love AC/DC should check it out.
http://haggisbuffet.blogspot.kr/2012/01/random-rock-star-moment-bon-scott.html
Wow, a great story. What a blast this must have been for those guys…and the pictures to prove it all happened! These guys still seem as down to earth and totally without ego now as they did back in 1979.
Amazing information Harry, thank you for sharing.
What a great story, thanks for sharing. To quote Bob Seger who I’m seeing live for the first time tonite in Bangor Me, “those are the memories that make me a wealthy soul,”
Hairy, great story. Thanks for providing the link!
Gotta love that if rock is dead it’s been a long funeral. Could not have been said any better!
They totally misinterpreted what Gene said. Ridiculous. I look forward to their new album which I’m sure willl sound just like their last 7 albums, and their tour with two original members. They are great live though, I won’t miss the show. Be well and have a great thanksgiving!
Dana, if you’re out there, I hope you and Eddie and everyone else has a happy thanksgiving, much love to you and your families.
Oh Pete,
Thank you so much. 😀 I wish you the same and add much health to my wish to you and yours.
All my best,
Dana 🙂
Good you found what the big boys think, now ask Britny Fox, Cinderella, Dokken, ect,hell with the preliminary numbers so far even Ace is at about 45% ticket sales with 2 for 1 offers and radio giving away a lot of tickets. So yes Rock is hurtin’.
VERY few artists NOT doing promotions and 2 for 1s out there these days
Why do you always have to respond so defensively in favor of Ace? The new album is really great and much better than the two Kiss records with Thomas Thayer. But his current tour isn’t very impressive. To me, Ace appears lazy and not into the show at all. His live vocals aren’t very good (but better than Paul Stanley). It is what it is Eddie. Ace should cancel the tour and stick to just recording. The show sucks. And he kept calling Greensburg “Pittsburgh” at a recent show I saw. Greensburg is not Pittsburgh or even within the city limits. You probably feel this is classic Ace while many people at the show found it embarrassing. People pay good money for tickets at least get the town right. And yes I know Ace is sober and has been for 8 years.