Axl Rose Joins AC/DC for Prague Concert

Earlier this year, it was announced that AC/DC had postponed its US tour dates after lead singer Brian Johnson was advised to stop touring due to health reasons. 

Johnson had suffered major hearing loss recently, not due to years of touring with the hard rockers but because of his love for auto racing: in an interview with Howard Stern, Johnson stated that he was left with a punctured ear drum after forgetting to put his ear plugs in during one race. 

Doctors advised him to stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss. 

While AC/DC’s 2016 US tour dates were indefinitely postponed, their European tour later this spring, which includes a stop in Prague on May 22, was left on the slate. 

And now, they’ve announced an unlikely replacement to fill in for Johnson for these dates: Axl Rose, lead vocalist of Guns N’ Roses. News of Rose’s involvement was rumored last month, but official confirmation by the band was issued yesterday. 

AC/DC released the following announcement in a press statement: 

“AC/DC band members would like to thank Brian Johnson for his contributions and dedication to the band throughout the years. We wish him all the best with his hearing issues and future ventures.  As much as we want this tour to end as it started, we understand, respect and support Brian’s decision to stop touring and save his hearing.  We are dedicated to fulfilling the remainder of our touring commitments to everyone that has supported us over the years, and are fortunate that Axl Rose has kindly offered his support to help us fulfill this commitment.”

Rose, who most recently performed at California’s Coachella festival seated in a throne due to a foot injury, will join AC/DC for 12 European concerts in May and June.

After hitting Vienna on May 19, the band will stop in Prague on May 22 for a concert at the Letňany Airport. Tickets have long been sold out.