Axl Rose’s AC/DC Era: Exclusive Insights from Chris Slade
As the years go by, the whirlwind of stories surrounding Axl Rose’s brief tenure with AC/DC only continues to grow. Eight years since he joined the legendary rock band, Chris Slade, AC/DC’s drummer at the time, recently reflected on his experience with Rose during an episode of the "On the Road to Rock" podcast.
Axl’s Unique Take on AC/DC
In his candid interview, Slade praised Rose’s efforts, emphasizing that he did an outstanding job despite being a new addition to the band. "Axl, I think, honestly, he did a great job – tremendous job. He’s not Brian [Johnson], and he wasn’t trying to be Brian – and he also wasn’t trying to be Bon. He’s got a lot of respect for Bon Scott and AC/DC."
Slade stressed that Rose wasn’t attempting to replicate the styles of either Brian Johnson or Bon Scott, instead focusing on making his own mark on the band. This respectful approach earned him a solid reputation among the band members.
The Ultimatum
However, Slade acknowledged that Rose was given a stern warning before joining the band. "With AC/DC, I was sent to boot camp," Rose recalled. The clear message was: "If you screw up, Axl, you’ll get the boot."
Angus Young and management were instrumental in conveying this message to Rose, according to Slade. Despite this tough exterior, Rose reportedly remained on his best behavior during the 22 dates he performed with AC/DC.
Chris Slade’s Take on His Own AC/DC Experience
Slade, who had two stints with AC/DC from 1989-94 and 2015-16, shared his own insights about his time with the band. When asked if he would have returned for another stint, Slade firmly stated, "Would I have done it? Yes, I would do it – of course. 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.’"
In a surprising twist, Slade revealed that he wasn’t offered the drummer position for AC/DC’s recent tour cycle, which ultimately went to Matt Laug. Slade ensured that there were no hard feelings and that he would have welcomed another opportunity to join the band.
A New Chapter with Chris Slade Timeline
Slade’s latest venture, the Chris Slade Timeline, recently released their debut album. The album features both original material and new versions of songs Slade played with other artists, including AC/DC.
AC/DC’s Most Historic Concerts
[Image gallery: A look back at AC/DC’s historic highs and awful lows]
The Only Time AC/DC Was Late for a Show
Conclusion
Axl Rose’s time with AC/DC may have been short-lived, but it has left a lasting impression on the band and its members. Chris Slade’s candid insights provide a unique glimpse into the experience, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs Rose faced during his tenure.
FAQs
Q: How long did Axl Rose join AC/DC for?
A: Axl Rose fronted AC/DC for approximately 22 dates.
Q: What prompted Rose to join AC/DC in the first place?
A: Brian Johnson, the band’s lead singer at the time, was sidelined due to hearing issues, and Rose stepped in as a temporary replacement.
Q: What kind of reception did Rose receive from the band and its members?
A: According to Chris Slade, the drummer at the time, Rose was welcomed by the band and received high praise for his efforts.
Q: Is there a chance that Rose might return to AC/DC in the future?
A: Although the possibility is uncertain, Chris Slade has expressed his willingness to welcome Rose back into the fold.
Q: What is Chris Slade currently working on?
A: Slade is focused on his latest project, the Chris Slade Timeline, which recently released its debut album.
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