“If You Screw Up, Axl, You’ll Get the Boot”: Chris Slade Recalls AC/DC Laying down the Law

While many remember Axl Rose as the singer for the hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, his career extended far beyond the rock group. Throughout his time with the group, the singer gained praise for his voice. Outlets like Billboard and Rolling Stone considered him to be one of the greatest singers of all time. And thanks to his time with Guns N’ Roses, Rose found himself in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But besides his career with Guns N’ Roses, the singer once toured with AC/DC. And with Rose embracing the lifestyle of a rockstar, AC/DC made sure he knew the rules. 

Although Brian Johnson is known to be the lead singer for AC/DC, he once took a step away from the band due to a hearing issue. Focusing on his health, the band turned to Rose to fill in for more than twenty shows. Speaking about Rose’s time on the stage, Chris Slade, former drummer for AC/DC, told On the Road to Rock podcast, “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 was not trying to be Bon. He’s got a lot of respect for Bon Scott. I know he has – and AC/DC.”

[RELATED: The Story Behind Axl Rose’s Sex Recording Session With Ex-Drummer Steven Adler’s Girlfriend for Guns N’ Roses’ “Rocket Queen”]

Axl Rose Was On His Best Behaviour

While praising Rose, Slade revealed how AC/DC needed to take Rose to the side to make sure he knew the rules of the band. According to the drummer, the band insisted, “If you screw up, Axl, you’ll get the boot.” Taking the words to heart, Rose made sure to be on his best behavior throughout his time with AC/DC. Thankfully, Slade didn’t have to deliver the news to Rose as Angus Young made sure to issue the ultimatum. 

As for Slade, he enjoyed his time with AC/DC before leaving. Recently, the group decided to replace drummer Phil Rudd. Not offered the job, Slade claimed, “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.’”

(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Stagecoach)