AC/DC 2016 Lineup (Photo: Katarina Benzova via AC/DC.com)
So where were we? On March 7, 2016, word came that AC/DC had postponed the March 8 – April 4 dates of their U.S. tour. Doctors had advised lead singer Brian Johnson to stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss.
On April 16, the classic rock band announced – what everyone already knew – that Axl Rose would replace Johnson for the band’s spring European dates. Their fairly terse statement said: “AC/DC band members would like to thank Brian Johnson for his contributions and dedication to the band throughout the years. We wish him all the best with his hearing issues and future ventures.”
2019 Update: AC/DC reunion appears imminent (July 2019)
On April 19, Johnson released his own statement which said in part: “I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates 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.
Related: Brian Johnson’s complete April 19 statement
“Most importantly, I feel terrible having to disappoint the fans who bought tickets for the canceled 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 [Young] and Cliff [Williams] for their support.”
Then: “I am not retiring.”
Well, AC/DC today (June 1) announced full details of their re-scheduled U.S. tour dates with… Rose. The “Rock or Bust World Tour” returns for ten final shows in August and September. Original tickets will be honored for all rescheduled dates, refunds are available at point of purchase.
AC/DC have played to over four million fans on the tour including the second leg of their European tour which kicked off in Lisbon on May 7 marking Rose’s debut as the band’s (temporary?) lead singer.
Related: See Rose’s AC/DC debut
Rose’s “other” band, Guns N’ Roses, have their own stadium tour this summer, running from June 23 – August 22. The lead singer barely has any time off between tours.
During their European dates, AC/DC have been surprising fans by including rarely played tunes from their archive including “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation,” “Riff Raff,” “Touch Too Much” and “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It).”
In today’s announcement, Young said: “This band has got a ton of energy and you’re going to see a fusion of all that terrific chemistry that we have felt ever since rehearsals in Lisbon. I want to get back out there onstage in the U.S. with these guys so our audience can see and feel it too.”
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AC/DC released their Rock or Bust studio album in December 2014 and it peaked at #1 in 12 countries. In a career that spans over four decades, AC/DC have sold a reported 200 million albums worldwide, over 70 million in the U.S. alone, including Highway to Hell and Back in Black which is the biggest selling hard rock album ever, helping to make AC/DC one of the Top 5 selling bands in American music history.
The rescheduled AC/DC ‘Rock or Bust’ U.S. dates are:
Aug 27 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
Aug 30 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – BB&T Center
Sept 1 – Atlanta, GA – Phillips Arena
Sept 4 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Sept 6 – Cleveland, OH – Quicken Loans Arena
Sept 9 – Detroit, MI – The Palace
Sept 11 – Buffalo, NY – First Niagara Center
Sept 14 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Sept 17 – Washington, DC – Verizon Center
Sept 20 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
5 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationPlease come back to the Bakersfield LA Sacramento area please. I’ve seen AC/DC two times my husband would love to see him it’s his favorite !
COME TO TEXAS!!!! Please!!!! My family and I are die hard fans! We salute you
I grew up listening to your songs and it will be awesome if you guys come to Denver now that I am stationed near there in Fort Carson Colorado Springs. Die hard fan ❤️
Dear Lord above n my beloved AC/DC band give us a 2021 concert anywhere in the US, anywhere I pray..We all need to rock n roll with u all..the Greatest Band EVER! Don’t make me get a passport n come looking 4 u! LOL
COME TO VEGAS!