AC/DC drummer Chris Slade says that he was shocked when they recruited Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose to help them finish their last tour after lead vocalist Brian Johnson was forced to drop off the trek.
Johnson was warned that if he continued to perform on the Rock Or Bust World tour that he risked permanent hearing loss. Eager to meet their commitments, the band brought in Rose to sing on the remaining dates.
Drummer Chris Slade was asked about the experience in a recent interview with Sonic Perspectives. He said, "I think Brian was doing the best he possibly could do. I could hear him so well, because I was using in-ear monitors. He didn't sound anything like he thought he sounded. But, of course, he felt really bad that he couldn't do what he considered his best. I was shocked when he was no longer around.
"I was even more shocked when they said they were trying out Axl Rose. I was, like, 'What?' because I heard all the stories. Turns out he was the nicest guy, and when he started singing, I didn't realize that he had that voice.
"He was phenomenal and could cover all the eras. He was never late for anything, as AC/DC goes by the second, not the minute, when they start a show.
"Only once did they not start a show on time in 45 years, and I happened to be in the band. It was due to an issue with Angus's guitar not being set up properly. As far as they were concerned, they have never been late on stage." Read the full interview here.
Live: Maria Muldaur Brings Way Past Midnight Tour To Phoenix
Hot In The City: Halloween Fun in Phoenix
Sites and Sounds: Unity, Peace & Freedom Music Festival
Halloween Special: Put These Halloween Goodies in Your Trick-or-Treat Bag
Reggae Party: Bob Marley- Stephen Marley- Seagram's Escapes Jamaican Me Happiness Collection
Queen Share The Greatest Special: 'The Story Of Queen I' (Part One)
Iron Maiden Pay Tribute To Paul Di'Anno
New Order and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Lead Cruel World Lineup
Iron Maiden Legend Paul Di'Anno Dead At 66
Jeff Lynne's ELO Announce Final Concert
Jake E. Lee Details Confrontation That Led To Being Shot
Supertramp In The Studio For 'Crime Of The Century' 50th Anniversary