AC/DC’s Brian Johnson says quitting touring ‘the darkest day of my rock career’

Brian Johnson, the lead singer of AC/DC has said he was “personally crushed” to have to give up touring owing to his hearing loss. The musician issued a statement saying he wanted to explain why the band was forced to postpone 10 of its US shows in March. He said he had partial hearing loss, which affects his performance onstage, and he was advised by doctors in March that he risked “total deafness” if he continued to tour in large venues. "Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life’s work. I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice,“ he said.

I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine.

Brian Johnson

The 68-year-old British singer has been replaced by Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose for the rest of the band’s European and US shows. Johnson said that he is not retiring and will continue to record with the band in the studio. AC/DC, known for songs such as Back In Black and Highway To Hell, was supposed to perform in US cities in March and April. The shows have yet to be rescheduled, but are expected to take place later this year. "I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic,” Johnson said.

AC/DC