Former AC/DC Frontman Brian Johnson Optimistic About Returning To Stage

Former AC/DC lead vocalist Brian Johnson was recently forced out of the band due to complications from hearing damage. At the time of his dismissal and subsequent replacement by Axl Rose, Johnson revealed doctors had instructed him to retire from the live stage or risk complete hearing loss. Now, in a recent update it appears a new technology may help Johnson get back to performing live.

In response to an open message shared by In Ear Monitor inventor Stephen Ambrose, it appears Johnson may have a pathway back to playing live. The audio innovator’s ADEL hearing technology has been tested by Johnson and it’s given him hope that he’ll be able to play live again.

“It WORKS,” said Johnson in a statement regarding ADEL. “It just totally works and you can’t argue with that. I was really moved and amazed to be able to hear music again like I haven’t heard for several years now. I can’t wait for it to be miniaturized so I can use it in every situation from normal communication, going out to noisy restaurants, to performing live music on stage.”

Here’s the video message Ambrose posted to initiate a relationship with Johnson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNq9tOGA-tY

AC/DC was forced in March to cancel 10 dates on their North American tour. Johnson revealed he felt “kicked to the curb” by the band he led since 1980 after replacing the late Bon Scott (who himself replaced Dave Evans). He later followed up by assuring he was not “retiring” and he was working with doctors to continue to be able to perform both in the studio and in the live setting. Johnson appeared as a guest vocalist on the recently issued album by comedian/musician Jim Breuer.