Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose performed his first show with veteran Australian rockers AC/DC on Saturday after stepping in for singer Brian Johnson, treating a rapturous Lisbon crowd to confident renditions of hits such as Back in Black and Thunderstruck.
“Nice to meet you!” the 54-year-old rocker shouted as he took to the stage wearing his trademark bandana under a hat, but confined to a chair because of a broken foot.
Saturday’s open-air concert at the Passeio Maritimo de Alges in Lisbon marked the start of a 12-date, five-week tour through Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, England and Denmark.
Photo: AP
The band canceled remaining dates on their US tour in March after Johnson, 68, was told by doctors that he had to quit touring immediately or risk total hearing loss.
Notorious for playing at painfully high decibels, AC/DC brought in Rose for the European tour and the 10 postponed US dates.
The concerts showcases the band’s latest album, Rock or Bust.
Johnson, known for his cap and a voice that strains the vocal cords, joined the band in 1980 after singer Bon Scott died following a night of heavy drinking.
Johnson earlier said he was “crushed” that he had to quit the tour.
Johnson’s loss is the latest major change for AC/DC. Rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, brother of lead guitarist Angus, retired in 2014 before Rock or Bust as he suffers from dementia.
Speaking to BBC 6 Music this week, Rose paid tribute to Johnson and said it would be “really challenging” to replace him.
“He’s a great singer,” Rose said. “I’m just trying to do it justice for the fans.”
Die-hard AC/DC lovers in Lisbon appeared to appreciate his efforts on Saturday.
“Axl Rose has a lot of respect for the group and he has the voice for it,” Paulo Dias, 48, said.
“Of course he can’t replace Brian Johnson, but Axl Rose is a good singer,” said Francis Vega, also 48, who flew in from the Canary Islands for the gig.
However, not everyone was convinced.
“Axl Rose is nothing like Brian Johnson,” said a disappointed Marcos Vizoso, 44, who had brought his 10-year-old daughter to the show. “I wanted her to see the original band.”
Guns N’ Roses became global sensations with 1987’s Appetite For Destruction, which remains the best-selling debut album ever.
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