Axl Rose joins AC/DC as lead singer, including Atlanta concert

Axl Rose will be a busy man this year. Photo: Robb Cohen Photography & Video/www.RobbsPhotos.com

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Credit: Melissa Ruggieri

Axl Rose will be a busy man this year. Photo: Robb Cohen Photography & Video/www.RobbsPhotos.com

It’s official – Axl Rose is replacing Brian Johnson in AC/DC. At least on the road.

The band announced Saturday night that it will resume its "Rock or Bust" tour beginning May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal, with Rose handling lead vocals.

Following the European dates with AC/DC, Rose will return to Guns 'N Roses for its "Not in This Lifetime" summer stadium tour that will play Georgia Dome July 27.

While AC/DC has rescheduled its European dates, the band hasn't disclosed the make-up dates for the 10 U.S. shows – including Atlanta – it postponed last month after Johnson was told by doctors to quit touring or risk permanent hearing loss.

According to the release trumpeting Rose’s arrival, AC/DC will announce those dates – with Rose – “imminently.”

Confirmation of Rose's new side gig isn't a huge surprise considering the sightings of him with AC/DC in Atlanta the past few weeks.

But how amicable the parting with Johnson was remains a mystery. The Australian rockers released a statement wishing him well:

"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."

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AC/DC European tour dates

May 7               Lisbon, Portugal                      Passeio Maritimo De Alges

May 10             Seville, Spain                          Estadio De La Cartuja

May 13             Marseille, France                    Stade Velodrome

May 16             Werchter, Belgium                  Werchter Site

May 19             Vienna, Austria                        Erns-Happel Stadium

May 22             Prague, Czech Republic        Letnany Airport

May 26             Hamburg, Germany                Volksparkstadion

May 29             Berne, Switzerland                 Stade De Suisse

June 1             Leipzig, Germany                    Red Bull Arena

June 4             London, England                     The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

June 9             Manchester, England              Etihad Stadium

June 12           Aarhus, Denmark                    Ceres Park