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AC/DC and Axl Rose play first gig in Lisbon: Fans and critics cast their verdict

The concert has been called a 'triumph' by various media outlets

Jack Shepherd
Sunday 08 May 2016 07:28 EDT
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Axl Rose singing with ACDC in Lisbon
Axl Rose singing with ACDC in Lisbon (Getty)

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It has been a long time coming but finally Axl Rose joined AC/DC as the band’s lead singer in Lisbon, kicking off the final stage of their Rock or Bust tour.

While over 7,000 fans have reportedly asked for refunds, the Guns N' Roses frontman has seemingly been a hit with both fans and critics alike.

Although he was confined to Dave Grohl's throne due to an injured leg, Rose powered through the band’s classic hits, including “Shoot to Thrill”, “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell”.

The Guardian has already heralded the performance as a triumph in a five-star review, as did Rolling Stone who said in their review “the new union's potential to be one of the touring hits of the summer”.

Speaking to fans after the concert, Sky News were also met by an overtly positive response. "Axl Rose has a lot of respect for the group and he has the voice for it," said Paulo Dias told the broadcaster.

"Of course, he can't replace Brian Johnson, but Axl Rose is a good singer," agreed Francis Vega, who had flown in from the Canary Islands to see the supergroup play.

However, there was one less positive response: "Axl Rose is nothing like Brian Johnson," Marcos Vizoso, who had brought his 10-year-old daughter to the show, said. "I wanted her to see the original band.”

Brian Johnson had to leave the Rock or bust tour earlier this year due to hearing problems. The singer was “crushed” by the news. Several months were then spent looking for a new singer, until Axl Rose was confirmed to be joining the band. Axl recently admitted he was finding the vocals on some AC/DC songs difficult.

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The full setlist in Lisbon as follows:

Rock Or Bust

Shoot To Thrill

Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be

Back In Black

Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

Rock 'N' Roll Damnation

Thunderstruck

High Voltage

Rock 'N' Roll Train

Hells Bells

Given The Dog A Bone

Sin City

You Shook Me All Night Long

Shot Down In Flames

Have A Drink On Me

T.N.T.

Whole Lotta Rosie

Let There Be Rock

Highway To Hell

Riff Raff

For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

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