AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson says that he was "personally crushed" and "horrified" by the news that he would lose his hearing if he continued to tour with the band but he has reassured fans that he is not retiring.
In a long statement, in which he does not mention Axl Rose, his replacement for the remainder of AC/DC's Rock or Bust World Tour, 68-year-old Johnson says he was told he risked total deafness if he continued to perform at stadium gigs.
On March 7th, after a series of examinations by leading physicians in the field of hearing loss, I was advised that if I continue to perform at large venues, I risked total deafness.
While I was horrified at the reality of the news that day, I had for a time become aware that my partial hearing loss was beginning to interfere with my performance on stage.
Brian Johnson (left) pictured with bandmate Angus Young
In the statement, Johnson said that he took the decision to quit touring to allow himself time to recover and also because he did not wish to compromise the quality of AC/DC's live show.
"Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can’t deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC." he said.
"I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond. That was the darkest day of my professional life."
Johnson, who hails from Gateshead in England, joined AC/DC following the death of the band's original frontman Bon Scott in 1980.
After weeks of speculation, Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose confirmed last week that he would replace Johnson for the rest of their Rock or Bust tour.
In a statement posted on their website, the band said: "AC/DC band members would like to thank Brian Johnson for his contributions 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.
"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.
"AC/DC will resume their Rock Or Bust World Tour with Axl Rose joining on vocals."
The band kick off the European leg of their tour on May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal, concluding in Denmark on June 12. Rose will then return to Guns N' Roses for the Not In This Lifetime summer stadium tour.
