AC/DC Lead Singer Search: Krokus Singer Marc Storace Puts His Name In The Hat

AC/DC is getting bombarded with offers to front their band for the remaining dates of their Rock or Bust tour. On the heels of AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson’s doctor-ordered hiatus from performing, Krokus lead singer Marc Storace now says he would be happy to join the band.

In an interview with BlastEcho, Storace said the decision is up to AC/DC founding member Angus Young to make, but he made it clear that he would be interested in auditioning for the high- profile gig if asked.

“There’s my loyalty to Krokus, but the guys would understand if the offer came and I would certainly take it up this time and go for an audition/ Then it’s up to [AC/DC lead guitarist] Angus [Young] to decide. For me, AC/DC is Angus Young — no offense to Brian Johnson. I think Brian Johnson did a magnificent job with his special unique kind of voice. But losing your hearing is not a nice thing. It’s like losing our eyesight for a musician.”

While Storace hasn’t personally heard from Young or anyone else from AC/DC, he did say that he’s been privy to some buzz from Krokus execs and Sony, which is his band’s shared label with AC/DC.

“I actually didn’t even have to call Sony. They were already on the ball. This thing is not an easy thing to decide. I don’t know what’s happening and I don’t wanna ask. I’m concentrating on my life and if they decide it’s gonna be someone else, I’ll continue with my life like I’ve always [done].”

Marc Storace previously turned down an invitation to audition with AC/DC in 1980 after their frontman Bon Scott died. At the time the hard rock singer was happy with Krokus’ breakthrough success and wasn’t at all interested in switching gears. AC/DC ended up hiring Brian Johnson, who has now been benched after doctors told him he is at risk for total hearing loss if he continues to tour.

While AC/DC has not yet announced exactly how they will handle Brian Johnson’s absence, an initial note on the Aussie rock band’s website said they will reschedule the 10 remaining U.S. tour dates and will likely feature a guest vocalist.

In addition to Storace, Hives singer Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist said he would be interested in the AC/DC guest gig. Almqvist posted a message to the Hives Facebook page and said he is ready to step in for the ailing Brian Johnson, whom he considers rock royalty.

“That man is a legend. I would like offer my sincerest well wishes and get wells. And if any help is needed I put my foot forward and say: HERE I AM! I have many many years of experience rocking the world’s biggest stages and according to others I am the greatest frontman in rock, plus judging from the reaction in Australia your crowd already seems to really like me. Plus, I have already been singing those songs since I was 6 years old. So ?#?ACDC please consider my application!”

And then there is AC/DC’s original lead singer Dave Evans. The rocker, who was recruited by AC/DC founders Malcolm and Angus Young recruited Evans as their first frontman in 1973, has gone on record as saying he’d love to front the band once again. While Evans’ time with AC/DC was short-lived, longtime fans may remember him on the early AC/DC singles “Can I Sit Next to You Girl” and “Baby Please Don’t Go.”

Ultimate Classic Rock quoted Evans’ interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, where the singer offered to take Johnson’s place for the remainder of the U.S. tour or even for just one guest gig.

“When I perform around the world the fans love my music and my performances and I hear what they tell me. They’re pretty appreciative of my vocals and performances. It would be nice. [Former members] were all part of the band no matter what era they were from.”

No matter what AC/DC decides, it sounds like they will be covered for the remainder of their Rock Or Bust tour.

Check out the video below to see Marc Storace singing the AC/DC classic “TNT.” Do you think he can fill Brian Johnson’s shoes?

[Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images]