Nikki Sixx and Zakk Wylde applaud AC/DC’s decision to draft in Axl Rose

Ahead of AC/DC’s European tour kicking off this weekend, Nikki Sixx and Zakk Wylde have both praised the band’s decision to draft in Axl Rose as a replacement for Brian Johnson.

The legendary Aussie rockers confirmed last month that Rose will front the band on all remaining Rock or Bust Tour dates - including Manchester Etihad Stadium and London Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium - after Johnson was ordered by doctors to quit or face total hearing loss.

Following a backlash from Roger Daltrey, some fellow rockers have now applauded AC/DC’s move.

Speaking to Post-Gazette.com, Sixx:A.M and ex-Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx believes that Axl us up for the job.

"I think Axl's got the right voice,” he said. “Brian's a friend. I'm a huge fan of AC/DC from back in the day. I was devastated when Bon Scott passed away and I didn't think they could survive that. Brian means so much to AC/DC. I don't know the inner workings, but if they have to go and do shows, I think Axl's got the right voice."

Echoing the sentiment, Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde said: “I mean, obviously, everybody's rooting for Brian to get better. But in the meantime, while Brian's recovering, I couldn't think of a better choice. And Axl's such a huge fan. Bon Scott is, like, his guy."

He continued to Metal Wani: “I'm sure (Axl) is beyond honoured that he's gonna sing with the guys. It's like Ozzy (Osbourne) playing with The Beatles, 'cause of Ozzy's love for John Lennon, and they're gonna ask him to sit in for John Lennon's parts. You know what I mean? Ozzy would be speechless.”

As previously reported, last month Planet Rock’s very own Alice Cooper gave his backing to AC/DC’s move.

"At first I thought it was an April Fool's thing," said Alice, "I went, 'Oh, come on.' Then I started thinking about it and said, 'You know, his voice is absolutely perfect for that band. That might just work.' I just think that's such a unique combination."

He added to Rolling Stone: "Whoever has tickets to (the tour) has got the golden ticket, because who doesn't want to see that?"

Tickets to AC/DC’s London and Manchester shows are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.