Ongoing History Daily: This alt-rocker almost sang for AC/DC

May 20, 2024 Alan Cross 0 Comments 0 min read

Back in 2016, AC/DC singer Brian Johnson began having serious problems with his hearing after a show in Winnipeg. After a final gig in Kansas City, it looked like he was done with the band. AC/DC finished some touring commitments with Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses on vocals.

But he wasn’t the only singer considered for the job. The gig almost went to Nic Cester of Jet. This made a lot of sense on many levels. Jet is also from Australia. And their songs tended to be chunky hard rock with a dash of garage rock. One more, the phone rang. It was AC/DC’s management asking him to fly to Atlanta to audition for the gig.

Of course, he went and was put through the wringer. In the end, Nic didn’t get the job, but he at least has a great story to tell.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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