On paper, it made little sense. Rose possessed one of rock's most distinctive voices, but he also carried a reputation for unpredictability, chronic lateness and self-inflicted chaos. These traits seemed fundamentally incompatible with the disciplined, workmanlike approach that had kept AC/DC functioning for decades. To make matters worse, Rose had recently broken his foot during the early stages of Guns N' Roses' reunion tour, meaning he would be performing while seated for much of the show.
The reaction was understandably sceptical. Some fans requested refunds. Others arrived expecting a disaster. Instead, they witnessed one of the most surprising success stories in recent rock history.
Not only can Rose still sing these songs in their original keys, something Brian Johnson himself has struggled to do for years, he attacked them with a commitment and intensity that immediately silenced most of the sceptics. More surprising still was the professionalism. The man many had written off as unreliable and self-destructive approached the task with obvious respect, determination and gratitude. As if that were not enough, several songs absent from recent tours found their way back into the set, reportedly at Rose's own suggestion.
The irony is impossible to ignore. Decades of erratic behaviour, public meltdowns and self-inflicted disasters suddenly seem much less important when the same man steps in and helps rescue one of rock's greatest bands from a potentially disastrous situation. Whether Brian Johnson eventually returns remains to be seen. Whether Axl Rose could somehow continue pulling double duty with both AC/DC and Guns N' Roses is another question entirely. Faced with a crisis that could easily have ended the tour, AC/DC found an unlikely saviour. Against all expectations, Axl Rose stepped into one of rock's most demanding jobs and delivered. He has saved AC/DC.
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