In a recent appearance on Artists On Record Starring Adika Live!, AC/DC drummer Chris Slade took the opportunity to clarify some confusion about his thoughts on the band’s time performing with Axl Rose. Some reports had sparked controversy by claiming that Slade thought Axl Rose was a better fit for AC/DC than long-time frontman Brian Johnson. Slade, however, wanted to set the record straight.
Addressing the situation head-on, Slade said, “People have been saying, ‘You said Axl was better and the band sounded better with him.’ But I never said that.” Slade explained that his earlier comments were about the sound quality he experienced during shows. Using in-ear monitors for the first time, he had simply noted how incredible the band sounded through them—not directly comparing Axl and Brian.
He went on to explain how his words were taken out of context: “What I said was about the sound I was hearing in my in-ear monitors, which was the best I’d ever heard. But the interviewer spun it to make it sound like I was claiming Axl was a better singer or the band performed better with him. That wasn’t my point at all.” According to Slade, the misunderstanding had led to ongoing confusion, with people constantly bringing it up, much to his frustration. “I didn’t say Axl was better,” he reiterated.
Despite the miscommunication, Slade didn’t hold back on recognizing Axl Rose’s contributions during his time with the band. “Axl had an amazing voice, and he did a fantastic job. Plus, he was always on time—never late for a show.”
Slade’s remarks ultimately highlight his respect for both Axl Rose and Brian Johnson. By clearing the air, he emphasized that his original comments were misinterpreted and that he never meant to compare the two singers negatively. His frustration stems more from the media’s spin than from anything related to the performances themselves.
In the end, Slade’s message is clear: both Axl and Brian brought their strengths to the band, and the misunderstanding about his words was just that—a misunderstanding.
