SOURCE CLOSE TO SINGER BRIAN JOHNSON CLAIMS THE SINGER WAS NOT FIRED FROM AC/DC, A MUTUAL DECISION WAS REACHED BY BOTH PARTIES
According to Blast Echo, a reported “source” close to singer Brian Johnson, has come forward to contradict comedian Jim Breuer’s commentary that the vocalist was let go from AC/DC.
The source confirms that Johnson is no longer in AC/DC, but that it was a mutual decision with the rest of band, and that he “wasn’t fired, not at all.” “He’s not gonna be in the band anymore,” said the source, “because he doesn’t want to take a chance with his hearing.” The source said Johnson said to “consider him out of the band now.”
The source also corroborates that the band is looking for his replacement.
“[The band] decided maybe it’s not the best thing to continue [with Johnson] if it’s gonna mean his hearing is going to deteriorate completely,” says the source. “They don’t want that either.”
With Johnson gone, speculation continues to run rampant as to who might replace him. Krokus singer Marc Storace recently told BlastEcho he’d be interested in auditioning for the spot, but it’s not known if he’s even been contacted by AC/DC representatives.
[Dana’s note: Thank you, to Harold Taint, for sending me the link to this story.]
source: blastecho.com
I am glad if this is true as it holds true to the notion that AC/DC of all bands would not be one of those who fire and hire just to keep the dollars rolling in. I am sure whoever will replace Brian will be exceptionally good at his game, they will not settle for less. But to people like me (I was 15 when BIB came out, I had heard some of the BS era and was totally blown away by both the old and the new singer and stuff) who have been fans of the band with Brian at the helm AC/DC will never be AC/DC again. Let’s face it, together with classic bands like Kiss, Priest, Sabbath, you name it, of the golden time of rock in the 70s and 80s AC/DC will yet be another one to (soon) fade away into legend – even if a new version will continue to make music and tour. People my age will have to start facing the fact that our heroes are old and deserve to let go and leave great memories behind. I can see no new bands to replace them – at least regarding their place my heart and my memory – but maybe I am mistaken.
Flat out not buying the statement of, “because he doesn’t want to take a chance with his hearing” is why Johnson is mutually leaving the band excuse. Why do these bands have to spoon feed the public bs and expect people to swallow it. Ear plugs are so cheap and with 2000’s technology I’m sure his ears could be protected through some type of device out there. It’s hard to respect some of these bands over the years when lies are thrown back in their face down the road. This story sounds like something the KISS camp would say to the KISS fans. The whole story is total f in bs. It all boils down to one thing in the end, money. I’m losing more and more respect for AC/DC after hearing of the drama in the band lately. Another legendary band going down in flames. Pitiful to watch a band die slowly. Hope this bands new direction isn’t the were a “brand” not a band philosophy.
Brian has been talking openly about retirement since 2008. It is hard for me see how this continues without Brian. I realize that Angus may not want to quit, but with Brian, Malcolm and Phil out it might be time to consider riding off into the sunset. Angus has also stated that Rock or Bust fulfilled their responsibility contractually to the record company. Also, as well as Stevie has done filling in for Malcolm in 1988 and 2014-2016, it isn’t remotely the same.
I feel extremely lucky that I got to see the band one last time with Brian in February. Little did I realize at the time that it would potentially be his next to last show with the band.
My hope is that this doesn’t turn into Angus and Cliff and three other guys. Most casual fans know Brian and Angus. You take Brian out of the equation and I don’t think it has the same appeal.
We will find out when AC/DC makes an official announcement. They are notoriously tight lipped.
Until I hear this from the horse’s mouth, (Angus) and not a “source’s mouth,” (whoever) I’m not believing anything! I hope these comments don’t disappear! 😉
Exactly! I feel the same way. They are not known for being talkative with the media, but this is one time Angus and Brian need to make official statements and they need to do it soon.
We’ll just call this a mutually agreed forced retirement. But seriously, if Brian’s hearing loss is accurate, I can’t blame Angus for not wanting to have on his conscience that he contributed to Brian losing his hearing permanently. For all we know, Brian could be pulling a Brett Favre and refusing to accept his time is up. By mutually agreeing to part ways, both Angus and Brian can save face and move on with their lives. I’ll give AC/DC v3.0 a chance.