AC/DC ex Brian Johnson guests with Muse at Reading Festival

Former AC/DC singer Brian Johnson made a guest appearance with Muse to perform classic track Back In Black at the weekend – see a clip of the performance below.

The Reading Festival surprise was one of just a handful of performances Johnson has delivered since being forced to retire last year after suffering hearing problems.

Towards the end of the band’s Rock Or Bust world tour, the vocalist was told that if he didn’t stop performing immediately he risked total deafness. After cancelling a run of shows AC/DC returned with Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose in Johnson’s place.

Since then, Johnson has been working on ways to combat his health issues. He said last year: “My entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic.”

In May he and Robert Plant joined Paul Rodgers on stage in England for a rendition of Money (That’s What I Want). Last year he recorded two album tracks, one for the Greg Billings Band and one for old friend, comedian Jim Brauer.

The future of AC/DC remains unclear, although guitarist Angus Young said in 2016 that he felt “obligated” to keep the band going.

It's a long way to the top: What's next for Brian Johnson?

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Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.