At 77, Brian Johnson Reveals Why AC/DC Refuses To Play This Song Live | HO!!!!

In the pantheon of rock legends, few bands have maintained as fierce an allegiance to their identity as AC/DC. For nearly five decades, their setlists have been a masterclass in consistency: thunderous riffs, rebellious lyrics, and a relentless commitment to the raw spirit of hard rock.

But among the band’s die-hard fans, a single question has echoed for years—why has AC/DC never performed “Love Song” live? At 77, frontman Brian Johnson has finally broken his silence, and his answer reveals a story far deeper than technical limitations or mere personal taste.

The Song That Doesn’t Fit

“Love Song,” a gentle ballad from AC/DC’s 1975 debut, High Voltage, is an outlier in a discography built on power and grit. Its tender melodies and romantic lyrics stand in stark contrast to the band’s signature sound—a fact not lost on Johnson, who never performed the song himself.

“We just don’t feel it represents what AC/DC is,” Johnson admitted in a recent interview, his voice carrying the conviction of someone who has lived the band’s philosophy for decades. “It’s not us. It’s not what people come to see us for.”

This statement might sound simple, but it speaks to a complex process of self-definition that has shaped AC/DC since its earliest days. Even as the band experimented with different styles in their youth, the Young brothers—Malcolm and Angus—quickly realized that their strength lay in music that hit “like a freight train.” The soft, sentimental tone of “Love Song” was not just an experiment; it was a misstep, a momentary lapse before the band found its true voice.

Brian Johnson: The Reluctant Successor

To understand Johnson’s perspective, it’s necessary to revisit his own journey. Born in 1947 in Dunston, Gateshead, England, Johnson was a product of working-class postwar Britain. He cut his teeth in the northeast’s rock scene, fronting the glam band Geordie and earning a reputation for gritty vocals and energetic performances. But Geordie’s modest success was dwarfed by what was to come.

In 1980, tragedy struck AC/DC when Bon Scott, the band’s original frontman, died unexpectedly. Johnson’s audition for the band was less about replacing Scott than about finding someone who could honor his legacy while bringing something new. Within weeks, Johnson was named lead singer, and AC/DC released Back in Black—an album that would become one of the best-selling records of all time.

Johnson’s arrival marked a turning point. He didn’t try to mimic Scott; instead, he brought his own raw energy, helping the band transition through grief and uncertainty. Tracks like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Hell’s Bells” cemented his place in rock history, and AC/DC’s thunder was louder than ever.

A Band Built on Consistency

As AC/DC’s popularity soared through the 1980s and beyond, their commitment to a singular sound became their brand. Albums like For Those About to Rock, The Razor’s Edge, and Black Ice showcased a band that refused to compromise. Even as other rock acts chased trends or softened their sound for radio play, AC/DC doubled down on what made them famous.

This consistency extended to their live shows. Fans knew what to expect: hard-hitting anthems, electrifying energy, and no-nonsense rock. Even slower tracks like “Ride On” or “The Jack” retained a gritty edge, keeping them firmly within the band’s identity. “Love Song,” by contrast, was never considered for the setlist. “When you’re on stage and you’ve got 60,000 fans out there, the last thing they want is for you to slow down and start crooning,” Johnson explained.

The Emotional Cost of Authenticity

Johnson’s refusal to perform “Love Song” is not just a matter of taste—it’s an emotional, almost painful decision. AC/DC’s brand is built on authenticity. Every song, every performance, is a contract with their fans to deliver unfiltered rock. To include a ballad that doesn’t fit that mold would feel like a betrayal.

This commitment to authenticity has come at a cost. Johnson’s own journey with AC/DC has been marked by impostor syndrome and self-doubt. Stepping into Bon Scott’s shoes was daunting, and for years, Johnson questioned whether he truly belonged.

“It was for a while a challenging adjustment period where he questioned whether he was worthy of the role,” he shared in his memoir, The Lives of Brian. Yet, he persevered, finding his own voice and style that would come to define the band’s sound for decades.

Johnson’s openness about his struggles humanizes the rock legend. Behind the roaring vocals and electrifying performances is a man who has faced real challenges—both personal and professional. His battle with hearing loss, which forced him to leave AC/DC’s 2016 tour, was a stark reminder of the physical toll of a life spent on stage.

The controversy surrounding his temporary replacement by Axl Rose only added to the complexity, but Johnson’s resilience and eventual return to the band underscored his dedication to both the music and the fans.

The Role of Fan Feedback

AC/DC’s decision to omit “Love Song” from live performances is also shaped by the fans. “We listen to the crowd,” Johnson said. “We know what they come for, and we’re not about to disappoint them with a song that even we don’t believe in anymore.” Over the years, the band has built a relationship with its audience based on trust and mutual understanding. Fans expect the energy, the rebellion, the power—and AC/DC delivers.

This dynamic is rare in an industry where many acts feel pressured to revisit every era of their career, even the ones that don’t fit. AC/DC’s refusal to perform “Love Song” is a conscious choice to honor the spirit that has defined them for nearly 50 years. Even when nostalgia or curiosity might tempt them to dust off the track, the band remains steadfast.

Legacy and Longevity

Johnson’s explanation adds a new layer to AC/DC’s legacy. In an era when aging rock stars are often expected to soften their image, Johnson and his bandmates have chosen to evolve without compromise. Advances in hearing technology allowed Johnson to return to the stage for selective live appearances, proving that resilience and adaptability can keep the rock spirit alive.

His autobiography, The Lives of Brian, offers further insight into the mindset that has sustained him. Johnson’s reflections on his upbringing, his battles with self-doubt, and his respect for Bon Scott’s legacy reveal a man who values honesty above all. His decision not to delve deeply into Scott’s story in the memoir was a conscious act of respect—a recognition that some legacies are best left untouched.

Conclusion: A Song Best Left Unplayed

At 77, Brian Johnson’s revelation about “Love Song” is more than just an answer to a fan question—it’s a window into the soul of AC/DC. The band’s refusal to perform the track live is not about technical challenges or lack of interest. It’s about staying true to an identity forged in the fires of rebellion and authenticity. Johnson’s words make it clear: “It’s not about pretending to be something we’re not. It’s about knowing who we are and staying true to that no matter how many years go by.”

For fans, this may mean never hearing “Love Song” at a live show. But for Johnson and AC/DC, it’s a small price to pay for preserving the spirit that has made them legends. In a world obsessed with reinvention and nostalgia, their commitment to authenticity stands as a powerful reminder: sometimes, the most important songs are the ones left unplayed.