Read the full statement.
AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson has released a statement regarding his current status in the band, which last week announced Axl Rose as the vocalist for the upcoming dates of the "Rock Or Bust" tour . Brian Johnson was removed from the band due to the risk of total deafness .
Check out the full statement:
"As many AC/DC fans already know, the remaining dates of AC/DC's 2016 'Rock Or Bust' tour, including 10 postponed dates in the United States, are being rescheduled with a guest singer. I would like to personally explain the reason, as I don't believe the latest press statements sufficiently expressed what I wanted to say to the fans, or didn't do so in the way I think they should have been done."
On March 7th, after a series of examinations by specialist hearing doctors, I was warned that if I continued performing in large arenas I could lose my hearing completely. Although I was horrified by the news that day, I had been aware for some time that my partial hearing loss was beginning to affect my stage performance. I was having difficulty hearing the guitars on stage and because I couldn't hear the other musicians clearly, I feared that the quality of my performance was being compromised. Honestly, this was something I, in my right mind, couldn't let happen. Our fans deserve my highest level of performance, and if for any reason I couldn't deliver that level of performance, I shouldn't disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC. I'm not a quitter and I like to finish what I start. However, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop singing on stage for the remaining dates and possibly beyond. It was the darkest day of my entire professional life.
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Since then, I've had numerous consultations with my doctors, and it seems that, in the future, I won't be able to perform in venues like arenas or stadiums, where the sound volume is beyond what I can currently tolerate without risking hearing loss or total deafness. Until now, I've done my best and tried to continue despite the pain and hearing loss, but everything has become too much to bear, and many things are at risk.
I am personally devastated by this turn of events, more than anyone can imagine. The emotional experience I am feeling right now is worse than anything I have ever felt in my entire life. Being part of AC/DC, recording albums and singing for millions of devoted fans for the last 36 years has been my life's work. I can't imagine continuing my life without being a part of it, but for now I have no choice. One thing is certain, I will always be a part of AC/DC at every show, in spirit if not personally. More importantly, I feel terrible having to disappoint fans who bought tickets to the shows that were cancelled, and who have supported me and AC/DC all these years.
Words are not enough to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks, not only for the kind words that reached me personally, but also for the years of loyal support for AC/DC. Many thanks also to Angus and Cliff for their support.
Finally, I would like to assure fans that I am not retiring. My doctors have said that I can continue recording in the studio and I intend to do so. For now, my total focus is on continuing treatment to improve my hearing. I hope that with time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to performing live. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic. Only time will tell.
Once again, my sincerest apologies and thank you all for your support and understanding.
With love,
Brian