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Axl Rose Fronts AC/DC And The Internet Is Not Thrilled, Is This The Worst Move In Rock Music History?

By Charisse Van Horn
Published on: 06:10 PST, Apr 17, 2016

Axl Rose, the lead singer of Guns N’ Roses, will replace Brian Johnson as the lead singer of AC/DC, and the internet is not thrilled. The news has circulated in the form of online rumors for several weeks, with speculation that Brian Johnson’s ill health has left him unable to perform and tour with the band. While Axl Rose has reunited with his 90s rock band Guns N’ Roses, and recently performed at Coachella, news that he will tour with AC/DC has left many GNR fans, as well as long time AC/DC fans, in a state of shock.

Twitter was ablaze Sunday morning with updates, memes, and comments about the news.

Some Twitter users foresee the official death of AC/DC, and don’t appear ready to give Axl Rose a chance at the top spot for the long-running rock band.

Many on social media networks are creating their own memes, mixing lyrics from both AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses hits as a way of expressing their disapproval of the news.

Those wondering what Axl Rose sounds like singing AC/DC songs are in luck as he has previously sung covers, including this rendition of “Whole Lotta Rosie.”

AC/DC confirmed the news on their website as they are in the middle of their Rock or Bust tour. According to the statement, the tour will continue with their prescheduled dates, only with Axl Rose in the lead.

The statement as posted on the website reads as follows.

“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. AC/DC will resume their Rock Or Bust World Tour with Axl Rose joining on vocals. The European stadium tour dates begin on May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal and run through June 12 in Aarhus, Denmark as previously announced (see below for full itinerary). Following this European run of dates with AC/DC, Axl Rose will head out on his Guns N Roses, Not In This Lifetime Summer Stadium Tour. The 10 postponed U.S shows will be rescheduled and announced imminently, also with Axl Rose.”

The next scheduled tour date is set for May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal.

What do you think about Axl Rose as the new lead singer for AC/DC? Are you going to give him a chance, or does this just seem like one of the worst moves in rock music history? There have been several bands that have continued on throughout the years after replacing the lead singer. Sammy Hagar replaced David Lee Roth as the lead singer for Van Halen, and at one point lead singer for The Cult, Ian Astbury, joined The Doors as their new lead singer. In Astbury’s case, however, the argument could be made that he recreated the look and sound of Jim Morrison. Some felt that Astbury’s completely embodied Jim Morrison, making it more like a cover band of The Doors rather than a new take on the band with new music.

With Axl Rose having his own, unique persona that is easily identified with Guns N’ Roses, as well as Brian Johnson’s signature look and sound, the move might not be as easy for fans to grasp, and ultimately accept.

What do you think? Sound off below.

[Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

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