Angus Young of AC/DC (Getty)
When the smoke clears AC/DC will have one hell of a story to tell. From the death of Bon Scott, to Malcolm Young’s dementia, to Brian Johnson’s hearing loss, the band has had its share of problems. But… they have always trudged on with a signature, and powerful, sound that is immediately recognizable as AC/DC.
Angus Young is the last remaining original member, so what does that mean? Where is AC/DC at this point in the band’s career? We discuss those factors with a 5 fast facts on the future of AC/DC.
1. Brian Johnson has Stopped Touring due to Recent Hearing Problems
Brian Johnson performing with AC/DC (Getty)
Brian Johnson performing with AC/DC (Getty)
Brian Johnson was forced to take a hiatus due to his ongoing hearing loss. He was removed from the tour half-way through with Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose taking over vocal duties for the rest of the tour, which was surprisingly successful.
Johnson has tried several technological devices to aid in his hearing including ADEL hearing technology which he has said “I was really moved and amazed to be able to hear music again like I haven’t heard for several years now.” Johnson was also recently featured on comedian Jim Breuer’s song “Mr. Rock N Roll”
2. Will AC/DC go Back Out on Tour?
AC/DC (Getty)
AC/DC (Getty)
2016’s Rock Or Bust World Tour was highly successful, even after Brian Johnson left, Axl Rose came in like a good cleanup hitter and knocked it out of the park.
Angus Young has repeatedly said that he would still like to go back out on tour, but we are not sure what that really means. Will it be with Axl Rose, who exceeded expectations with the bands last tour, or will Brian Johnson get the hearing technology he needs to continue on.
Young is only 61 and has a lot of fire left in him, but after the past couple of years, is he ready to hang it up?
3. Angus Young is the Last Remaining Original Member of the Band
Angus Young of AC/DC (Getty)
Angus Young of AC/DC (Getty)
Angus Young is literally the last member of AC/DC actually in the band, and while he is huge part of the band’s success, it would be nice to see other members of the band on stage as well.
Brian Johnson feels like an original member, but we need to keep in mind that he was a replacement for Bon Scott. Original guitarist, Malcolm Young, was forced to retire due to an onset of dementia. Bassist Cliff Williams has retired following the Rock or Bust tour, and drummer Phil Rudd was kicked out of the band after battling a drug conviction.
The wildly popular Rock or Bust tour will be documented in an upcoming photo book.
4. What About a new Record?
Axl Rose performing with AC/DC (Getty)
Axl Rose performing with AC/DC (Getty)
Axl Rose is firmly planted in the juggernaut that is the Guns N Roses reunion tour. They are still on tour through summer 2017 and if AC/DC is to record with Axl Rose he would need to wait until after the Not In This LifeTime GNR tour.
Axl took over at a tumultuous time in AC/DC’s history, but he exceeded expectations. If Brian Johnson is not able to continue singing with the band, Axl would be a natural option to perform on AC/D records in the future. There have been rumors that Rose recorded with AC/DC while on the Australian leg of the Guns tour, but nothing has been confirmed.
Young did join Guns on stage in Sydney.
5. Will Angus Young Ever Retire?
It’s hard to say if Young will carry on or take the moment to bow out. It has been a rough couple of years for the band, but knowing the guitarist’s work ethic, he will have something to occupy his time if that is the case.
However, the singer is a young 61 years old and has time left in him to push the band through another incarnation. Is that what the fans want? It’s certainly hard to tell. The one thing we are sure of is that it will be interesting.
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Where is AC/DC?: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know