Ex-AC/DC Drummer Reveals Ultimatum Band Gave To Axl Rose

Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose got the gig of a lifetime when he was tapped to fill in for AC/DC’s Brian Johnson to conclude the band’s “Rock or Bust” tour back in 2016. A lifelong AC/DC fan, Rose was generally well received by both hardcore followers of the band and casual rock listeners.

During an appearance on the On The Road to Rock podcast, former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade, who was also filling in for longtime drummer Phil Rudd on the “Rock or Bust” tour, talked about Axl’s time with the band. “Axl, I think, honestly, he did a great job – tremendous job,” Slade said. “He’s not Brian and he wasn’t trying to be Brian – and he also was not trying to be Bon. He’s got a lot of respect for Bon Scott. I know he has – and AC/DC.”

Slade said that Rose recalled: “With AC/DC, I was sent to boot camp.” The ultimatum the band gave him was: “If you screw up, Axl, you’ll get the boot.”

Slade said that it was Angus Young and the band’s management who laid down the law for Axl when he joined. Slade also revealed he wasn’t offered the drum gig in AC/DC for the band’s current tour cycle. The band instead brought on drummer Matt Laug. “Would I have done it? “Yes, I would do it – of course,” Slade said. “Angus probably wanted a change and thought maybe I couldn’t do it. I’m the same age as Brian. So, you can’t be ageist and say ‘Oh, Slade’s too old now,’” he added with a laugh.