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AC/DC fans finally offered refunds after Axl Rose replaces Brian Johnson

Johnson was forced to pull out of the rock band's tour with severe hearing problems

Jess Denham
Wednesday 27 April 2016 14:37 BST
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Many AC/DC fans were angry that Axl Rose had been forced upon them when they had paid to see Brian Johnson
Many AC/DC fans were angry that Axl Rose had been forced upon them when they had paid to see Brian Johnson

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AC/DC fans outraged at the thought of Axl Rose stepping in for Brian Johnson have finally been offered refunds.

UK concertgoers with tickets for the band’s London and Manchester gigs in June have the opportunity to request their money back but must do so before 5pm on Friday 6 May.

See Tickets emailed ticket holders to inform them of the latest development after many expressed anger when Rose was announced to replace Johnson on medical grounds. Other ticket companies are also offering refunds.

Rose is joining AC/DC for 12 upcoming dates across Europe after Johnson was told that he risked losing his deteriorating hearing entirely if he took part in the tour.

Johnson issued an emotional statement at the time, informing fans that he had been forced to pull out on doctor’s orders.

“I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start,” he said. “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.

“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.”


Fans became concerned when Johnson’s bandmates wished him luck in his “future ventures” in their own statement, forcing the group’s frontman since 1980 to clarify that he is “not retiring”.

“My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that,” he said. “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.”

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Rose will head out on his Guns N’ Roses summer stadium tour following the run of dates with AC/DC. Johnson has not spoken to the press about his replacement but his close comedian friend Jim Breuer recently hinted that he felt “kicked to the kerb” by the band.

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