Roger Daltrey Slams Axl Rose Fronted AC/DC As ‘Karaoke’

Roger Daltrey has made his feelings clear about AC/DC’s treatment of their longtime singer Brian Johnson, as well as their decision to have Guns N’ Roses singer Axl Rose front the band for their upcoming “Rock or Bust” concerts.

Speaking to LF Press, Roger Daltrey, 72, expressed his concern for Johnson, who has had to retire due to ear issues which could see him go deaf if he continued touring.

“I mean I really feel badly for Brian. It must be heartbreaking for him after all the service he’s given that band over the years.”

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Roger Daltrey then turned his attention to the treatment that AC/DC gave Johnson, referring to the band’s farewell statement to Brian which also ushered in Rose as his replacement. This statement, which thanked Brian for his service and wished him well, upset many fans of the band who felt that it was disrespectful to the singer, who had been with AC/DC since 1980. Rolling Stone reported that this reaction led Johnson to issue his own statement, where he revealed the details of his hearing loss and reassured fans that this was the reason that he was being replaced.

“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. I’ve spoken to Brian. He’s got loads of other things he wants to do in his life. I think AC/DC will miss Brian much more than Brian will miss AC/DC.”

Daltrey, the frontman of The Who, was not done here. Roger then spoke out about who the band had chosen to replace Brian, a decision which has caused plenty of uproar in the rock world.

“I mean, go and see karaoke with Axl Rose? Give me a break. (Laughs).”

It seems that it is not just Roger Daltrey who feels this way about Rose stepping in. TheInquisitr previously reported that hundreds of fans took to social media to air their views on the decision, whilst many also created their own memes to express their disappointment.

Axl Rose the new lead singer of AC/DC?! What could possibly go wrong. pic.twitter.com/wxCR21tMcU

— Gnash (@Gnash00) April 17, 2016

However, not everyone shares Roger Daltrey’s views. Alice Cooper recently commented that AC/DC gaining Axl Rose as a singer creates “the golden ticket for ticket-holders,” the Inquisitr reported.

Alice Cooper Says Axl Rose’s Voice Is ‘Absolutely Perfect’ for AC/DC: https://t.co/LWh6S6bXsM pic.twitter.com/keTMUWtvNM

— Loudwire (@Loudwire) April 19, 2016

Whilst Roger Daltrey may not share Alice Cooper’s view, he does not have time to dwell on it. Daltrey and The Who are a band that are busy themselves, as they currently find themselves in the middle of their 50th anniversary world tour. In the interview with LF Press, Daltrey commented on the future of the band.

“In our heads we want to go on as long as we can.”

Fans will be glad to hear this, as Roger Daltrey spent three and a half weeks in the hospital after contracting viral meningitis only last year.

Daltrey and The Who will not be resting on their laurels after the completion of their worldwide tour, which closes at Azkena Rock Festival on June 18, as it has just recently been announced that Roger and The Who will be performing at a U.S. ‘megafestival’ in October.

The BBC states that it was Roger Daltrey who confirmed this festival when speaking to BBC Radio 6, and his band will be joined by rock legends that include Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. It is believed that the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd will also be on the bill, making it the first, and likely the last time that all the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees share a bill.

“I don’t think any of us cares who goes on first. We’ve never worried about that. The music is all so different, that’s not going to matter at all.”

It seems unlikely that Roger Daltrey would be quite as thrilled to share a bill with the new look AC/DC.

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[Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images]