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
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