AC/DC Singer Brian Johnson Told To Stop Touring Immediately
AC/DC has postponed the remaining 10 concert dates left on their tour, due to an immediate risk to frontman Brian Johnson’s health. The band reports that doctors have told Johnson to stop touring immediately and that to do otherwise would mean risking total hearing loss.
AC/DC Calls Bust On Their Rock Or Bust Tour
The band was scheduled to stop off at Atlanta for their March 8 tour date but obviously, Brian’s hearing concerns are of paramount importance. As it looks now, Johnson won’t be returning at all when the Rock or Bust tour does resume.
Brian Johnson joined AC/DC in 1980, following the death of Bon Scott. The first album with Johnson on vocals was Back in Black and Brian’s youthful sound gave the band the edge they needed to make Back in Black the second best-selling album of all time, trailing closely behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
News of Johnson’s impending hearing loss comes after a long line of misfortune has plagued AC/DC. The trouble started with rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young and brother Angus, a founding member of AC/DC. In 2014, after 41 years with the band, Malcolm was forced to retire from the band, citing the onslaught of dementia. It was said that, of all of the members of the band, Young was the least interesting, preferring to hide in the shadows and let his brother, along with either Bon Scott or Brian Johnson, take the spotlight. In truth, it was Malcolm’s spirit and love for playing that really gave AC/DC their hard hitting sounds.
Malcolm was unstoppable as well. He continued on with the band’s Black Ice tour, even as the symptoms of dementia began to present themselves. Between sets, Malcolm would be tasked with relearning all of the songs.
The next to drop out of the AC/DC line up was drummer Phil Rudd, who was taken from the band, just as the 2014 Black Ice album was set for release. Rudd was charged with attempted murder for hire and drug possession. Phil plead guilty to drug charges and one count of threatening to kill and, in exchange, he was sentenced to eight months on home detention.
Is it possible for AC/DC to continue on, even after they finish off the Rock or Bust tour with a guest singer. Could they become a generational band, replacing members as they either retire or pass away? While playing musical instruments, such as rhythm guitar or drums are unique skills and require a degree of talent, those positions are far more easily filled than that of a lead singer. After more than 35 years, Brian Johnson has earned a degree of respect and admiration from fans and fellow band members alike. AC/DC would be hard pressed to find another singer that can rock as heavily and command as much allegiance as Johnson.
It will be interesting to see AC/DC continue on, if they can find someone comparable to Johnson and his one-of-a-kind sound.
AC/DC Releases Postponements With A Promise To Reschedule
According to a statement issued by AC/DC, postponed dates, including those set for Madison Square Garden in New York City, will be rescheduled for later in the year and will include a guest vocalist.
Most ticket holders have the option of either holding onto their tickets, which will be honored as AC/DC reschedules the shows, or ticket holders may obtain refunds at the point of purchase.
AC/DC’s Postponed 2016 U.S. Dates:
3/08 — Atlanta, Ga. — Philips Arena
3/11 — Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. — BB&T Center
3/14 — Greensboro, N.C. — Greensboro Coliseum
3/17 — Washington, D.C. — Verizon Center
3/20 — Detroit, Mich. — The Palace
3/23 — Columbus, Ohio — Nationwide Arena
3/26 — Cleveland, Ohio — Quicken Loans Arena
3/29 — Buffalo, N.Y. — First Niagara Center
4/01 — Philadelphia, Pa. — Wells Fargo Center
4/04 — New York, N.Y. — Madison Square Garden
[Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images]
