AC/DC's Brian Johnson quits touring for good because of hearing loss

AC/DC's long and successful career playing around the globe has landed their lead singer in a lot of health trouble.

Brian Johnson, 68, has been ordered to stop touring immediately by doctors, or risk complete hearing loss, in a shock announcement posted on the band's website on Monday.

The news has forced the legendary Australian band to reschedule a string of 10 U.S. dates on their "Rock or Bust" tour, with their next show in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday.

Now that Johnson can no longer tour, the band will likely find a replacement who will fulfil lead singer duties for the band, yet to be announced.

"Tomorrow's show in Atlanta through Madison Square Garden in New York, NY in early April will be made up later in the year, likely with a guest vocalist," according to a statement by the band.

It's not the first time a late-career AC/DC has faced difficulties, with the band's drummer Phil Rudd under house arrest in New Zealand for threatening-to-kill and drug offences. Rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young left the band in 2014 after being diagnosed with dementia.

Johnson is not the band's original lead, replacing then frontman Bon Scott after his death from alcohol poisoning in 1980, to sing on the band's seventh studio album Back In Black.

Only time will tell if AC/DC can ride its latest challenge; but after all, it is a band that's been marked by tragedy from early in its career.

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