AC/DC officially name...

April 17, 2016 12:46 PM

Axl Rose as new lead vocalist. "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," band says in statement G -n- R with Agnus Young and Axl Rose Whole Lotta Rosie live at Coachella 2016
..and
Riff Raff
at the same venue.

"AC/DC are an Australian hard rock band, formed in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, who continued as members until Malcolm's illness and departure in 2014. Commonly referred to as a hard rock or blues rock band, they are also considered pioneers of heavy metal and are sometimes classified as such, though they have always dubbed their music as simply "rock and roll"." -Wikipedia

posted by shockingbluamp (58 comments total)

Whoa! I was wrong!
posted by wittgenstein at 1:02 PM on April 17, 2016

Welcome back to life, Axl. Well fucking done.
posted by jonmc at 1:05 PM on April 17, 2016 [5 favorites]

Every other singer on this planet and three others was previously booked solid?
posted by delfin at 1:20 PM on April 17, 2016 [8 favorites]

I was really hoping he'd be named the new singer for The Bangles
posted by beerperson at 1:37 PM on April 17, 2016 [17 favorites]

I was skeptical that it would even work at all until I saw the Coachella videos. Brian Johnson is a very different singer from Bon Scott, and Axl is kind of in the middle. Axl's still got his pipes, and knows how to sell an AC/DC song, even sitting on Grohl's rockin' chair.
posted by chimaera at 1:38 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

Any excuse to post John Jeremiah Sullivan's 2006 Axl profile. We forget just how astonishing a singer Peak Axl was. If he's still got even 10% of that...
posted by Gin and Broadband at 1:41 PM on April 17, 2016 [5 favorites]

in spite of songs coming from two very different lead vocalists

Where have you gone, Dave Evans? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 1:42 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

i hope they don't end up regretting this
posted by pyramid termite at 1:45 PM on April 17, 2016 [3 favorites]

(And I know Dave Evans submitted himself for consideration, fwiw.)
posted by ricochet biscuit at 1:46 PM on April 17, 2016

There is no AC/DC without Malcolm. Nothing to see here.
posted by Max Power at 2:06 PM on April 17, 2016 [4 favorites]

i hope they don't end up regretting this

They may be in a position where they need to get a singer and finish their tour commitments, or face ruinous lawsuits. I believe The Who were in such a bind after Entwistle died, especially since they had had to insure the tour themselves, at least in part because of Ox-ish cardiac worries.
posted by thelonius at 2:15 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]

If Axl + Buckethead/Tommy Stinson/Josh Freese counts as a valid Guns N' Roses lineup, does this mean that AC/DC is now yet another iteration of GN'R?
posted by Strange Interlude at 2:19 PM on April 17, 2016 [13 favorites]

This news makes me sad. Well, AC/DC, we had a good run, but all things must pass.
posted by InsertNiftyNameHere at 2:23 PM on April 17, 2016 [3 favorites]

Let's put it this way -- if Rose actually shows up for all of the tour dates, if he doesn't wander off stage in a fit of pique and leave an audience hanging, if he doesn't beat up his girlfriend backstage, if he doesn't start touring next year as AC/DC with a bunch of random musicians, and if the fans can stomach AC/DC fronted by a guy whose last musical contribution worth a shit in a handbag is old enough to vote... then maybe, MAYBE this isn't a terrible idea. Maybe associating your band's decades-old reputation with one of the most infamous flaming turds in music is worth it.

And then only if the lead of every AC/DC cover band in existence, Jack Black, William Hung, Cee-Lo Green, Danny Bonaduce and Martin Shkreli all said "sorry, I'm busy" first.
posted by delfin at 2:26 PM on April 17, 2016 [31 favorites]

Isn't Paul Rodgers the go-to fill-in lead vocalist for these sorts of situations?
posted by AJaffe at 2:40 PM on April 17, 2016 [9 favorites]

I consider Paul Rodgers a minor deity.
posted by clavdivs at 2:45 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

well, i don't think a minor deity has any business on the highway to hell
posted by pyramid termite at 2:47 PM on April 17, 2016 [6 favorites]

I honestly think this can work. Finish out this tour and do one more to throw in the towel. I'd go see that show.
posted by East14thTaco at 2:53 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

Whole Lotta Axl Rosie.

I had high hopes for Dave Grohl.
posted by adept256 at 3:02 PM on April 17, 2016 [3 favorites]

Axl Rose is one of the greatest rock singers of all time. Its unfortunate that he imagines himself a great songwriter and bandleader too, but whatever. If he bothers to learn the songs (not exactly a high mountain to climb), this'll sound great.

I'm sad about Malcolm, though. Cheers, Malcolm. I'm sorry you're in a dark place, but thanks for the good times.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 3:06 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]

But can Axl properly deliver the subtlety and nuance of lyrics from songs like "Let Me Put My Love Into You" and "Big Balls?" Only time will tell.
posted by Cookiebastard at 3:11 PM on April 17, 2016 [14 favorites]

For nostalgia's sake - Live at the Ritz, 1988.
posted by clawsoon at 3:24 PM on April 17, 2016 [5 favorites]

I think Axl's done a pretty good job covering other people's music with GnR, so I could easily picture his vocals slotting into Thunderstruck or Highway to Hell or whatever. He has the voice to do it justice. I'm surprised he's agreeing to it since I would think the GnR reunion would be all-encompassing for him for the next few months, so taking this on too seems like a lot to handle. But I think (hope?) Axl might be doing better these days. Getting the original members back together and having to have that conversation with them seems like he must have humbled himself a bit recently for it not to fall apart immediately. So maybe he can do it.
posted by downtohisturtles at 3:24 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

He told me another L.A. story, about the time Axl picked up Slash's beloved albino boa constrictor and it shat all over Axl. And Axl had on some expensive clothes. He got so mad he wanted to hurt the snake. He was cussing at it. But Slash picked up his guitar—here Gregory imitated a tree-chopping backswing pose—and said, "Don't. Hurt. My. Snake." Axl backed off.

Man, rock stardom comes with a really specific set of problems... That was a lovely piece of writing though.
posted by klanawa at 3:28 PM on April 17, 2016 [5 favorites]

I never really cared for GnR or Post-Bon-Scott AC/DC, but I have to admit this sounds... kinda awesome?
posted by saul wright at 3:55 PM on April 17, 2016

It does sound kinda awesome. And with the brothers Young in the driver's seat Axl really doesn't have a way to get away with his customary bullshit. He is, in a very real sense, expendable here and his success hinges on understanding that.

If he does this has the makings of greatness. If not, they'll find someone else.
posted by East14thTaco at 4:03 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

Angry Anderson from Rose Tattoo was suggested as a better choice on one web site I read. I could have seen that working. But with Axl, well, I'm just glad I got to see them on the last tour (ticking 'seeing Angus play Back in Black' off my bucket list was a high point!).
posted by drnick at 4:45 PM on April 17, 2016 [5 favorites]

AC/DC? You mean that band that's ripping off Jack Black?
posted by happyroach at 5:13 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]

I still can't believe that any of this true.
posted by KingEdRa at 5:26 PM on April 17, 2016 [4 favorites]

Is Paul McCartney taking over from Mick Jagger in the next Rolling Stones tour, too?
posted by clawsoon at 5:33 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]

no, rick ashley
posted by pyramid termite at 6:06 PM on April 17, 2016

Yeah - I honestly think he's a better fit for AC/DC these days than GnR. He's lost so much of his voice through the years, and he's got this raspiness, and that fits perfectly with the AC/DC sound (vs when he had such a large range with the deep and screaming, and it was very very very clear, not raspy).

That said, I was surprised that he sounded as good as he did when the "Hell Freezes Over" moment was announced and the videos popped up w/him singing w/Slash et al. Because I really had just written him off.

Now - as long as he doesn't try to write songs anymore, and just plays with other people I think he can save face. AC/DC may just be the ticket, really.
posted by symbioid at 6:17 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

Sorry, Nuge.
posted by ctmf at 6:24 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

AC/DC can do no wrong.

But that's wrong.

I think Kurdt Kobane just barfed in his grave.

Bless ya, Mal. Good times.
posted by petebest at 6:46 PM on April 17, 2016

This has the appearance of a guy who's had his "come to Jesus" moment and he's decided to mend fences and he's full of optimism for all the amazing stuff he can accomplish. Like Robert Downey Jr around the the time of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. So it could work out and be one of those great rock n roll stories for the ages.
Or he could be starting the most manic episode of his life and is overcommitting himself, and not thinking anything through and he's going to crash and burn, bringing two hard rock dynasties down with him in the process. And it'll be one of those great rock n roll stories for the ages.
posted by wabbittwax at 6:55 PM on April 17, 2016 [17 favorites]

I'm not an Axl fan but I have no doubt he can do right by the AC/DC songbook. But in case he just doesn't show up or maybe straight up murders somebody on his night off, they should keep Joe Elliott (from Def Leppard) on speed-dial.
posted by wabbittwax at 6:58 PM on April 17, 2016

Or he could be starting the most manic episode of his life and is overcommitting himself, and not thinking anything through and he's going to crash and burn, bringing two hard rock dynasties down with him in the process. And it'll be one of those great rock n roll stories for the ages.

...complete with bloody and bruised women backstage, right?
posted by praemunire at 7:20 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]

With no Malcolm and no Brian, any continuation of AC/DC is just a money grab for Angus. If they're just finishing out the tour, fine. But if they try to release an album or keep touring, Angus is shitting on their legacy with every dollar made.
posted by tunewell at 7:22 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]

Angus needs to save up to finally buy his big boy suit
posted by wabbittwax at 7:52 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

Sammy Hagar was busy?
posted by jenkinsEar at 7:59 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]

AC/DC drives 55
posted by wabbittwax at 8:00 PM on April 17, 2016

Also being offered the job of taking over as lead singer of a hugely popular band founded by two brothers probably triggered Hagar's PTSD
posted by wabbittwax at 8:12 PM on April 17, 2016 [17 favorites]

If this does work out, I guess we'll also get a new AC/DC album in 16 years.
posted by snofoam at 8:18 PM on April 17, 2016 [6 favorites]

There is no AC/DC without Malcolm. Nothing to see here.

If you think about it, AC/DC is turning into the ultimate AC/DC tribute band, and AC/DC tribute bans are a lot of fun.
posted by My Dad at 9:34 PM on April 17, 2016 [5 favorites]

Like East14thTaco, I have to give Axl major props. I am neither a Guns 'N Roses nor AC/DC fan, but I like stuff like them, and I know what people like about them, and I have to respect the voice. I'm sure he was a jackass back in the day, but I suspected he was getting a raw deal in all of these "Loser Axl" years, the aborted tour when he wouldn't go onstage, all of that. I would say I'd agree that Axl was an irredeemable shitbird until that point, then it seemed like people were getting mean. In this way it's great (for me) to see Axl back.

AC/DC, what can you say? Like 'taco said above, they do another five years, maybe an album, and no history gets destroyed in the process.

I might be into buying tickets for these shows just because my brother has been on a "see them before you can't see them anymore" jag the last several years, and it would be nice to hear Axl live (if the pipes are clean). That really only adds up to 30% "maybe," but give it a year or two to stew and you might find me there having a great time.
posted by rhizome at 9:58 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

symbiod: Yeah - I honestly think he's a better fit for AC/DC these days than GnR. He's lost so much of his voice through the years, and he's got this raspiness, and that fits perfectly with the AC/DC sound (vs when he had such a large range with the deep and screaming, and it was very very very clear, not raspy).

Yes! I had much the same thought watching the fifteen minutes of Guns n' Roses Saturday night set streamed from Coachella. "Welcome to the Jungle" was a rough start, but "November Rain" is mostly exposed and he sounded wretched. Axl set a high standard when recording these and other GnR songs; it appears that he is not able to meet that anymore. (I'm sure I would have enjoyed the set if I were at the festival).

Though I guess at the time I didn't realize the AC/DC thing was official, and just thought it was weird Frank Ferrer was wearing an AC/DC shirt. From the videos Axl sounds good for this. Brian Johnson had a much narrower vocal range, and, yeah, the roughness that has descended upon Axl's voice fits well.
posted by mountmccabe at 11:59 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]

Mixed feelings...
posted by krinklyfig at 2:17 AM on April 18, 2016

In technical terms there are any number of singers that could have done it - a lot of the guys in the AC/DC cover bands, for a start.

But you don't just need that - you need someone who is already a big name and who knows about singing in enormo-stadia.
posted by GallonOfAlan at 5:14 AM on April 18, 2016

So basically AC/DC is Angus Young, some guys and the bloated remnants of Axl Rose?

Reminds me of musical acts from the 50s and 60s who play the state fair circuit. One (elderly) original member and assorted fill-ins but the with legal right (usually) to keep the name.
posted by tommasz at 7:30 AM on April 18, 2016 [3 favorites]

I think Axl's done a pretty good job covering other people's music with GnR...

I hope you're not referring to Knockin' on Heaven's Door, because that was an abomination.
posted by rocket88 at 7:40 AM on April 18, 2016 [2 favorites]

I have not heard overwhelming positivity in response to this news. I hope Axl doesn't become the huge fucking diva that he used to be.

Axl, you've just landed the job of a lifetime. Treat it as such and we'll be pleasantly surprised.
posted by prepmonkey at 7:55 AM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

Sammy Hagar was busy?

Can you imagine Three Lock Box with Angus playing guitar? That would be incredible!
posted by prepmonkey at 7:58 AM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

bloated remnants of Axl Rose

This is the name of my new punk band.

Reminds me of musical acts from the 50s and 60s who play the state fair circuit. One (elderly) original member and assorted fill-ins but the with legal right (usually) to keep the name

But with more spandex.
posted by CosmicRayCharles at 9:36 AM on April 18, 2016

"For those about to rock, we'll disappoint you."

This sounds like the start of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure 3. Expect a phone booth to show up opening night and Axl Rose to be revealed as a cybernetic organism from the year 2025.
posted by furtive at 9:42 AM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

Funny how quick of an exit, stage left Brian Johnson has made here. I can imagine Johnson was quickly frog-marched out of the AC/DC corporate offices by goggle-eyed security guards wearing short pants.
posted by My Dad at 10:26 AM on April 18, 2016 [2 favorites]

It sounds like Brian is a) a bit of a wreck; and b) chafing at the corporate process by which he was replaced. They've had to cancel shows because of him.
posted by rhizome at 11:30 AM on April 18, 2016

His voice sounds like it's already gone in those videos. I don't see how doubling his work load is going to help that.
posted by doctor_negative at 11:31 AM on April 18, 2016

Worse than this?

To his credit, Brian looks like he's doing a yeoman's job, but who knows how much cortisone and Vyvanse is involved.
posted by rhizome at 6:21 PM on April 18, 2016