Roger Daltrey Calls AC/DC With Axl Rose ‘Karaoke’
Roger Daltrey has spoken out against AC/DC‘s treatment of their longtime vocalist Brian Johnson and their upcoming concerts with Axl Rose in a new interview where the Who singer labeled the remaining Rock or Bust concerts with the Guns N’ Roses singer as “karaoke.”
Speaking to the London Free Press, Daltrey first railed against AC/DC for their “curt” treatment of Johnson after that singer revealed he could no longer tour due to ear issues that could result in total hearing loss. “I mean I really feel badly for Brian,” Daltrey said. “It must be heartbreaking for him after all the service he’s given that band over the years. I thought their farewell statement to the press and to Brian was fairly curt to say the least. I felt for him. That must have hurt.”
AC/DC’s initial announcement trumpeting that Rose would serve as their replacement vocalist – issued just hours before Guns N’ Roses’ Coachella concert, a gig that featured a surprise visit by Angus Young – simply thanked Johnson for his years of service. Fans of the band were so upset by the perceived slight that Johnson issued his own statement to detail his hearing issues as well as assure fans that he’s not retiring.
“I’ve spoken to Brian. He’s got loads of other things he wants to do in his life,” Daltrey added. “I think AC/DC will miss Brian much more than Brian will miss AC/DC. There you go. What do you expect from Australians? And he’s such a lovely guy, Brian. I’ve known him for 40-odd years, more.”
As for Rose serving as lead singer of AC/DC, don’t expect Daltrey to be in the audience for any of the band’s 20 rescheduled Rock or Bust shows. “I mean, go and see karaoke with Axl Rose? Give me a break,” the Who singer said.