Tuesday
Jun072016
Who Should Front AC/DC?
Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 12:00AM
As you already know, Axl Rose is singing for AC/DC right now. Brian Johnson had to leave the band due to hearing issues. Now, he's apparently got new in-ear monitors, his hearing is better... and he might want to come back to the band. What a conundrum. Would both Brian and Axl sing for the band? Or just Axl? Or bring back Brian full stop? You decide below. Discuss.
Who Should Sing for AC/DC?
Reader Comments (18)
It would be nice to see them finish out their career with Johnson, esp. if they can release another album that is close to as solid as RoB. It would also be nice if they could welcome Rudd back into the fold, assuming that he is on the straight and narrow (and that is no slam on Slade either).
And this is coming from someone who doesn't particularly like Guns n' Roses all that much and who's seen AC/DC 8 times -- 5 with Bon, 6 with Brian and soon to be at least 2 more times with Axl, something I can tell you now I wouldn't be bothering to do if the singer was Brian Johnson.
Here's why:
1) Even though Brian Johnson sang with the band for 30 years, I personally never felt he could come near the singing ability of Bon Scott, the "original" singer of the classic line-up. I thought this when "Back In Black" came out and still believe it to this day.
2) Axl can nail the high stuff Brian can't and never could.
3) Because of Axl's better vocal range, Angus has been able to return to his original tuning, something he hasn't been able to do since Bon's last performance before his passing on January 28th, 1980 (36 years ago), and believe me, he hasn't sounded this good now since then! He and the band even seem more revitalized by Axl during their performances!
4) As both are great songwriters, the chance to hear a collaboration between Angus and Axl will result in The Greatest Rock & Roll Album of The Century (thus far)! One thing, sure as hell, we won't be hearing any "November Rain" crap out of those guys should Axl be able to remain with AC/DC.
I've heard about people demanding their money back because Johnson was forced to leave the band due to hearing issues. Well, if they bring him back, not that they ever should, I hope their prepared to give refunds because Axl had to leave.
Maybe when Axl goes back to Gn'R for this upcoming tour, AC/DC will bring back Brian for more dates on the current tour. The proof will be in the pudding who sounds better, should that happen.
You know where Metalboy! stands.
But I do agree that Axl brings something to the Bon stuff.
In the meantime, I'm soaking in as much AxlDC as I can!!! Loving the Bon-era material they are pullng out the archives.
Maybe there is a way to make BOTH happen. One hour with Brian, one hour with Axl singing Bon!DC! Then again maybe i live in fantasy land. Haha
HIGH VOLTAGE ROCK & ROLL
What would be interesting to see is if AXL is given the choice, would he join AC/DC permanently? After all, it's a much bigger band with better songs than Gn'R (Sorry, GNR). And the chance for him to collaborate with Angus would certainly yield more kicka*s results than with moribund Slash!
Angus may just give Axl an offer he can't refuse. After all, why do you think he's been wearing those horns all these years!
I think Metalboy needs a math tutor.
Sorry, couldn't resist. Lol! But I do agree, I'm really enjoying Axl with them. I think it's re-energized Axl as well as AC/DC. I might have to look into tix for MSG.
My math doesn't change the fact that with Axl, the entire cannon (no pun intended), including Johnson's, has never sounded better now that Rose is on board!
Here's what I predict is going to happen... Once Axl starts touring with Gn'R, Angus won't wanna stop the "Rock n' Roll Train" and he'll take Brian back to keep it Rollin' and wait to sort the bodies out later.
My guess, with millions at stake, who knows what dark arts and secret pacts that lil' devil has brewing. Guess he'll have to down tune again for Brian and wait to see what happens.
We'll save the mathematical metronomic calculations and vocal physics as to who is actually better technically 'til my next comments.
Isn't it possible to love Axl as the replacement and hope for Johnson's return? But why would a band like AC/DC carry on with a temporary replacement if the singer can return (and that is a big "if" given the reports)?
I am not into chemtrail conspiracies, but the choice to continue with Axl, rather than retire or return with Johnson, would lend credence to the suggestion that they pushed him out when his convenient (for them) health concerns required him to step aside. If it was truly a band of brothers, wouldn't Johnson's return be the thing that they would want?
Look. I get it. They can dig deeper right now. They can play songs closer to the original tempo. And, yes, Johnson was never close to Bon in sound. Then again, he never tried to be. Still, he honored that part of their catalog in a way that didn't raise any ire from fans. And, though he diminished greatly in the late-90s/early-00s (on albums and in concert), he rallied in recent years and put on performances in both contexts that are remarkable for a man his age. Sure, this isn't YES that he is singing. But he sagged and then he rose back up again. That normally gets respect from fans. Scroll back through comments from months and years past and reflect on what it is you want out of a band: the exacting sound of older recordings and performances or the energy of a band of relative originals doing what they do because they are all still standing? I take the latter. But you knew that.
Again, a "thank you for your service" note is a harsh pill to swallow, as a fan and (I suspect) as a singer. Johnson played nice (and vague) in responding that he wasn't fired. I believe him in part and in respect and in personality. He seems thankful. Heck, so does Axl.
I also recognize that an alternative tale can be spun, where the hypothetical return is so hypothetical that neither side cares to comment on it right now. Johnson is happy there is a chance that he can record _and_ sing live again. Angus, Inc., is happy they can honor their fans by fulfilling their stated tour duties, dismissing "what ifs" re: future plans (even if Axl is on record that he would like to do "more" . . . and why wouldn't he, given the response after the initial backlash?). But where are the notes of "awesome" or "that's great" from AC/DC re: the recent developments for Johnson? I know they are busy. But he's their mate, right?
As with Motorhead, I don't want to see AC/DC end. But I would argue that, absent Johnson's return, there is nothing that they can do to add to their legacy by going beyond these last few dates. The fact that we get to hear a few old songs sung with a renewed passion is beside the point. And what is the point? Simply this: I don't begrudge old bands with new members (see recent posts). But I do question old bands with new (or clearer) motives for continuing. I'd hate to think that AC/DC wants to go out on a bum note, esp. after doing justice--in spite of my reservations--during a period of adversity. If AC/DC are about the spirit of rock n' roll, the decision shouldn't be that difficult.
I hope everyone who sees their upcoming shows has a blast. And I wish Johnson a speedy recovery, while looking forward to whatever it is that he releases and performs down the road. Then again, this wasn't too shabby and was pretty recent (even with Goatboy prodding and poking all of this along):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3zw5Jckp5U
Reports from the band are Angus hasn't played or performed like this in years.
They say haven't seen him this happy or this energized in decades.
AXL says he and Angus want to write and record.
Why? Because it sounds great and they are enjoying themselves!
What more reason do you need?
I, for one, am looking forward to AXL/DC putting out The Album of The Century!
Now if he can get a personal trainer and dietician to travel with him as well!