Legendary hard rockers AC/DC will be forced to reschedule the ten upcoming dates on their “Rock or Bust” World Tour, utilizing a guest vocalist for the new dates. The band is currently in the midst of the U.S. leg of the tour.
Singer Brian Johnson was advised by medical personnel to cease touring immediately, or possibly suffer complete loss of hearing.
While unfortunate, the news shouldn’t come as a total surprise. Johnson has been the been the singer of the band since 1980, when the band replaced original vocalist Bon Scott after he died of an overdose of alcohol. Before joining AC/DC, Johnson served up vocal duties for British hard rock band Geordie. Nearly fifty years fronting high-volume bands has clearly taken it’s toll.
Ticket holders can keep their tickets for the rescheduled dates, or receive a refund at point of purchase.
There is no word who the likely guest vocalist will be for the rescheduled dates, but one would have to assume that the band have made enough friends over the years who are also talented rock vocalists. Fans probably won’t end up being too disappointed.
The band’s last LP, Rock or Bust, was released in November of 2014.
UPDATE (04/21/2016): Following news that Axl Rose would front the continuation of the “Rock or Bust” tour, Brian Johnson has released a statement clarifying his physical situation. In the statement, he talks about having a feeling that his hearing was being affected while on stage, the day he was told by a doctor that he should not continue performing in stadium and arena size venues, and the decision to follow that advise. The fear that his hearing issues would give AC/DC a less-than-stellar live experience was central to his decision to sit out the rest of the tour.
Making it clear that ” I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start,” Johnson details how getting the news about the seriousness of his situation was “the darkest day of my professional life.” If anyone was hinting that there were ill-feelings between the members of AC/DC, Johnson put that to bed in his statement: “My thanks also go to Angus and Cliff for their support.”
He concludes the statement with an assurance to fans that this is not a proper retirement. He intends to continue recording in-studio, which was approved by his doctors. In the meantime, he hopes to treat his hearing issues and be able to join his longtime band mates on stage once again.
AC/DC Rescheduled 2016 Tour Dates
03/08: Atlanta, GA – Philips Arena
03/11: Ft. Lauderdale, FL – BB&T Center
03/14: Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
03/17: Washington, DC – Verizon Center
03/20: Detroit, MI – The Palace
03/23: Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
03/26: Cleveland, OH – Quicken Loans Arena
03/29: Buffalo, NY – First Niagara Center
04/01: Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
04/04: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
UPDATED (03/15/16): On comedian Jim Breuer’s podcast The Metal In Me, Johnson claimed that he felt very “depressed” and like “a hired gun”. He also said he expressed no desire to stop touring or consider retirement.
UPDATED (03/16/16): Breuer has now said via Facebook that he may have exaggerated about Johnson’s feelings on the matter, saying “I spoke as a true fan and friend, simply venting as if he was a brother of mine.” Breuer also later said he was not quoting Johnson directly. So it seems as if for now the relationship between Johnson and the band is fine, and that he just wants to find a way to get himself back on stage. Stay tuned for any further updates.
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