WATCH: AC/DC’s Brian Johnson makes live return performing with Robert Plant and Paul Rodgers!
Brian Johnson and Robert Plant were the extremely special surprise performers at Paul Rodgers’ gig in Oxford last night (14th May).
Paul was returning on stage for his first encore at the New Theatre, Oxford on the seventh date of his Free Spirit UK Tour when he surprised the 1,800 capacity crowd by inviting the AC/DC and Led Zeppelin legends on stage with him.
Flanked by Paul’s band, the trio belted out the 1959 Barrett Strong classic ‘Money (That's What I Want)’ to a thunderous response from the audience. As well as lending his trademark vocals to the performance, Robert played some harmonica too.
The genial gents that they are, after the show Brian and Robert signed the drum head from the evening and an album each, which will all be available to bid for on the Willows Animal Sanctuary & Animal Assisted Therapy Unit charity Facebook auction today.
You can check out fan-filmed footage of the performance here:
> Not a bad day at the office today. Hugs and kisses by just a few legends.. aaaand my tour kids wished me happy mothers day. Awww. #tourlife #theycallmemom #paulrodgers #robertplant #brianjohnson > > A post shared by Brooke McLean (@bmclean_11) on May 14, 2017 at 3:33pm PDT
AC/DC fans will now be hoping that Brian’s return to live performing last night will herald more live shows for the singer.
Brian, of course, was forced to pull out of the final two legs of AC/DC’s Rock or Bust World Tour last year after doctors ordered him to quit touring or risk going deaf.
He described the moment he was told to quit as “the darkest of my professional life” and assured fans he was “personally crushed… more than anyone could ever imagine.”
Two months later, however, Brian met with inventor Stephen Ambrose of Asius Technologies who is developing a new type of in-ear monitor that could allow the singer to return to the stage more permanently.
Brian said at the time: “It WORKS. It just totally works and you can’t argue with that. I was really moved and amazed to be able to hear music again like I haven’t heard for several years now. I can’t wait for it to be miniaturized so I can use it in every situation from normal communication, going out to noisy restaurants, to performing live music onstage.”
Reportedly still in development, it’s not clear whether Brian used the technology for his performance last night.
Brian recently interviewed Robert Plant for his six-part TV show Brian Johnson's Life On The Road that sees him explore what life is like touring the globe as part of a legendary rock act. The episode airs on Sky Arts at 9pm on Friday 2nd June.
Last July, Brian hosted a weekly show on Planet Rock called The Producers, which explored the people behind-the-scenes of some of the greatest rock music ever recorded - those who capture unforgettable moments for the records we all love. Producers featured included Bob Rock, Nick Raskulinecz, Kevin Shirley and Roy Thomas Baker.
Paul Rodgers’ tour continues at Leicester De Montfort Hall on Wednesday night (17th May). Tickets to select shows are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.