Brian Johnson says being unable to perform with AC/DC was ‘the darkest day of my professional life’

BRIAN Johnson has opened up about his departure from AC/DC, but says he won’t retire from making music in the studio. Will it be with AC/DC?

Angus Young joins Guns N’Roses at Coachella. Pic: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

BRIAN Johnson has broken his silence after his departure from AC/DC, stating he is not retiring from music.

However the statement has increased confusion over whether Johnson still has a future with the iconic rock band or if he has been permanently sacked.

While AC/DC’s press release wished him well with his “future ventures” before announcing he would be replaced by Axl Rose, Johnson’s more positive statement read “I cannot imagine going forward without being part (of AC/DC) but for now I have no choice.”

Brian Johnson says he is “personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine.”.

Johnson, 68, said “I am not a quitter” and that he hopes “in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances.”

Whereas AC/DC briefly touched on Johnson’s hearing loss in their press release, the singer’s own statement went into full detail about his battles on stage and how doctors stated if he continued to play in large venues he may go deaf.

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In his statement, Johnson said being told he could not perform the remaining Rock or Bust shows was “the darkest day of my professional life” and that he cannot perform in large venues “for the near future.”

“I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine,” Johnson said. “The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before. 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. The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person.”

Brian Johnson has been replaced by Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose — a decision that has angered diehard fans.

His lengthy statement does not mention his replacement Axl Rose and only thanks Angus Young and AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams towards the end — and no other band members.

Many AC/DC fans believe the band have treated Johnson poorly — the statement was ironically released on the anniversary of the day he joined the band in 1980, following the death of Bon Scott.

Johnson did promise fans he will still be able to record music in the studio, however he did not mention if that would be as a solo act or with AC/DC, who appear to have moved forward without him.

AC/DC perform at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.

As well as Axl Rose playing the remaining European shows on the Rock or Bust tour the band auditioned four singers from American AC/DC cover bands. Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler was also rumoured to have auditioned.

AC/DC biographer Jesse Fink said Johnson’s exit was designed to allow the band to keep touring — they can make up to $4 million per show — without a member jeopardising their live shows with medical issues.

“AC/DC is all about the money now,” Fink said. “What fans wanted to see was the band stop, let Brian get better and maybe do one last show. You’d think someone who’s been in the band for 36 years would certainly be allowed to leave on his own terms.

“AC/DC would have been far better off to just call an end to it all and preserve the amazing mystique they have. They had gone for decades saying we’re a no bullsh — band, we don’t stand for the glitz and the excess of the rock industry, we’re about the music not about the money. Yet they’ve gone and done a complete 360. Now they’re the hard rock equivalent of Kiss.”

Brian Johnson has thanked Angus Young in his statement ... eventually. Pic: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Brian Johnson’s statement in full:

“As many AC/DC fans know, the remaining shows for the 2016 AC/DC Rock or Bust World Tour, including 10 postponed U.S. shows, are being rescheduled with a guest singer. I want personally to explain the reason because I don’t believe the earlier press releases sufficiently set out what I wanted to say to our fans or the way in which I thought it should be presented.

On March 7th, after a series of examinations by leading physicians in the field of hearing loss, I was advised that if I continue to perform at large venues, I risked total deafness. While I was horrified at the reality of the news that day, I had for a time become aware that my partial hearing loss was beginning to interfere with my performance on stage. I was having difficulty hearing the guitars on stage and because I was not able to hear the other musicians clearly, I feared the quality of my performance could be compromised. In all honesty this was something I could not in good conscience allow. Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can’t deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC. I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my band mates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond. That was the darkest day of my professional life.

Briamn Johnson says he feels “terrible having to disappoint the fans who bought tickets for the cancelled shows”.

“Since that day, I have had several consultations with my doctors and it appears that, for the near future, I will be unable to perform on stage at arena and stadium size venues where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness. Until that time, I tried as best as I could to continue despite the pain and hearing loss but it all became too much to bear and too much to risk.

I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine. The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before. 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. The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person.

Angus Young has copped major flak over the dumping of Brian Johnson.

“Most importantly, I feel terrible having to disappoint the fans who bought tickets for the cancelled shows and who have steadfastly supported me and AC/DC these many years. Words cannot express my deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks not just for the recent outpouring to me personally of kind words and good wishes, but also for the years of loyal support of AC/DC. My thanks also go to Angus and Cliff for their support.

Finally, I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring. My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that. For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. 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.

Only time will tell.

“Once again, my sincere best wishes and thanks to everyone for their support and understanding.

Love,

Brian”

Angus Young joins Guns N’Roses at Coachella. Pic: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Originally published as Brian Johnson says being unable to perform with AC/DC was ‘the darkest day of my professional life’