In 2016, Axl Rose replaced Brian Johnson on tour with AC/DC. Johnson couldn’t bring himself to watch
Brian Johnson had to stop performing with AC/DC in 2016 after doctors warned that continuing the Rock or Bust tour could cost him his hearing. The band carried on with Axl Rose, Guns N’ Roses’ singer, stepping in, a decision that kept the tour going but divided fans.
Rose said he volunteered after hearing about Johnson’s situation and wanted to help if the band thought he was suited to the role. Johnson believed Rose did a good job, but described watching him perform as like finding a stranger in his home and said he “just couldn’t watch”; he bore no grudges, recognising the band’s difficult position.
In short
- Hearing concerns forced Brian Johnson off AC/DC’s tour.
- Axl Rose filled in for the remaining shows.
- Johnson praised Rose but found it too painful to watch.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Continuing the tour with Axl Rose let AC/DC honour its commitments and keep performing for fans after doctors warned that Brian Johnson risked his hearing. Rose volunteered to help, and Johnson himself acknowledged that Rose did a good job, suggesting the choice could be seen as a practical, respectful way to carry the band forward.
The case against
Replacing Johnson while the tour continued could feel to fans like a loss of the singer closely associated with AC/DC, and to Johnson like seeing a stranger in his place. Even when a substitute performs well and no one bears a grudge, the decision may underscore how difficult it is to preserve a band’s identity and relationships when a member has to leave for health reasons.