In a conversation with Sonic Perspectives, AC/DC drummer Chris Slade looked back on Brian Johnson stepping down as the band’s singer in 2016 due to hearing issues, and Guns N’ Roses vocalist Axl Rose stepping in as a replacement.
When asked about the chemistry of performing both with Johnson and Rose, Slade replied:
“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’ [Young] guitar not being set-up properly. As far as they were concerned, they have never been late on stage.”