Longtime AC/DC singer Brian Johnson has issued a statement explaining his recent battle with hearing loss, and clarifying the circumstances of his departure from the legendary Australian group’s current world tour.
Last month, AC/DC were forced to postpone the last 10 U.S. dates on their Rock or Bust world tour after doctors told Johnson he faced “total hearing loss” if he performed with the group again. At the time, the band promised it would make up the shows, “likely with a guest vocalist.”
After weeks of speculation and rumors, this past weekend AC/DC announced that Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose would join them for the remaining dates of the tour. In that press statement, the group also wished Johnson well with his “future ventures,” strongly indicating but not flat out stating that his time with the group was over.
Johnson has now explained his version of all this upheaval with a statement. Here is his statement in full:
“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 and Cliff 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”
additional source: ultimateclassicrock.com
17 Responses
The band should end…no one wants ACDC without Brian Johnson…reinventing this band, this late in the game makes no sense. Either record with him, and do not tour, or retire the ACDC brand and still make music, just not as ACDC. These older bands get hung up on their past and think that we as fans won’t accept them in a different setting…using Kiss as the example, if they took off the makeup, people would still care and for me, it would be fresh and new like when they took off the makeup the first time. With the ACDC scenario, let Angus and the band make music with a new singer, but not blemish the ACDC name. That would interest me…not bringing in a clone of BJ…hell BJ was not a clone of Bon Scott. He is a very different singer and the band thrived…As a fan, I want to still hear these bands, but the same old tired crap is boring…do something different, not keep recycled the past…
its very unfortunate for him,hes a great guy,a real class act,but i can tell you first hand,his hearing is not going to improve,it only will get worse,hopefully he will enjoy his life with what hearing he still does,and look back on a great career with great pride.its hell to get old!!!!!!
Get well, mate. AC/DC is better with you!
God bless you Brian. Thanks for all the memories. You are a true class act of a man. Love to buy you a cold one some day, you’ve earned it. I hope you can work through this and be back fronting the best rock band the world has ever seen. If anyone can overcome that adversity, it’s Brian Johnson. So proud and thankful I was able to see you and the boys perform at Gillette Stadium last August with my wife and son. Best show I’ve ever seen by a long shot.mThat’s a memory I will always cherish. If it doesn’t work out, that’s ok too. I thank you and I salute you brother for all the great music. Just like there will never be another acdc, There will never be another Briam Johnson. Thanks again my friend.
is the door open for Brian recording with AC/DC but just not touring?