AC/DC confirms Axl Rose as frontman

Axl Rose will join the Aussie rockers on their European tour, which kicks off in Lisbon, Portugal on May 7 and finishes up in Denmark on June 12. Photo / Getty Images

AC/DC have confirmed Axl Rose as frontman for the remainder of their world tour, while supporting Brian Johnson's decision to stop touring and "save his hearing".

The Aussie rockers confirmed the news just hours before Rose's scheduled onstage reunion with Guns 'N Roses guitarist Slash at the Coachella music festival in California.

"AC/DC will resume the #RockOrBust World Tour w/ Axl Rose joining on vocals. All updated tour dates can be found here," the band tweeted on Sunday.

Rose will join the Aussie rockers on their European tour, which kicks off in Lisbon, Portugal on May 7 and finishes up in Denmark on June 12.

The news left many fans disgruntled, with plenty rushing to Twitter to vent their frustrations and demand ticket refunds.

"@acdc I think they should give refunds for those who want it. Just got Cliff and Angus left now. And no1 is paying to see Cliff," said @jd--stacky.

"@acdc It's a sad day. AC/DC is no more. It's the end of an era," said @bigkenny83.

@AnthonyBialy added: "Only thing worse than replacing Brian Johnson? Replacing him with Axl."

@DBecker9892 was quick to point out that while he wasn't happy with the news, AC/DC could do worse than Rose.

"@acdc not a big fan of this but if they want people to see em then Axl is definitely a big enough name."

After Rose completes his European run of dates with AC/DC, he will head out on his Guns 'N Roses, Not In This Lifetime summer stadium tour of the US.

The Not In This Lifetime tour kicked off on April 1 in Los Angeles with a surprise concert that marked the first time since the Use Your Illusion Tour in 1993 that Rose, Slash and bassist Duff McKagan performed together.

AC/DC announced on March 7 that Johnson had been advised by doctors to stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss.

On Sunday, the band thanked Johnson for his "contribution and dedication to the band throughout the years".

"We wish him all the best with his hearing issues and future ventures.

"As much as we want this tour to end as it started, we understand, respect and support Brian's decision to stop touring and save his hearing," they said.

"We are dedicated to fulfilling the remainder of our touring commitments to everyone that has supported us over the years, and are fortunate that Axl Rose has kindly offered his support to help us fulfil this commitment."

The band added that the previous 10 US shows postponed due to Johnson's sudden departure would be "rescheduled and announced imminently, also with Axl Rose".

It remained unclear whether or not Rose was a permanent fixture of AC/DC beyond the Rock or Bust tour.

- AAP