Discover Why Nic Cester Missed Out on AC/DC Lead Singer Role to Axl Rose

Jet frontman Nic Cester recently shared a fascinating story in an interview, revealing that he auditioned to be the lead singer of legendary rock band AC/DC in 2016. Although the position eventually went to Axl Rose, Cester’s audition experience is one for the books.

Back in the early 2000s, Jet burst onto the music scene as one of Australia’s hottest rock exports, mesmerizing audiences with hits like “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and “Cold Hard Bitch.” Their sound, a fusion of AC/DC’s power and The White Stripes’ garage-rock vibes, won over fans worldwide.

During a conversation with Australian radio station Triple J, Cester recalled how he received the unexpected call to audition for AC/DC. With Brian Johnson stepping away from the band due to hearing issues, Cester found himself considering the opportunity of a lifetime.

“I was staying with my in-laws when I read the news about Brian Johnson leaving the band,” shared Cester. “Just moments later, I was asked if I’d be interested in auditioning in Atlanta, Georgia to potentially fill in for upcoming tour dates. It was a surreal moment, and I couldn’t pass up the chance.”

Despite not expecting to secure the gig, Cester decided to embrace the experience wholeheartedly. He even reached out to his friend Matt Bellamy from Muse, thanking him for the opportunity to perform “Back in Black” at a few shows in 2010.

Describing the audition process, Cester vividly recounted his time at the Black Crowes’ rehearsal studio, where AC/DC was set up with an impressive backline of amps. The sheer volume and intensity of the band’s sound left a lasting impression on him.

“Angus [Young] really put me through the paces,” revealed Cester. “It was a test of how I could handle the music, the volume, and the overall energy of the band. Every moment felt like a challenge, but in hindsight, it was a testament to Angus’ professionalism and his dedication to pushing me to my limits.”

While Cester excelled at performing the Bon Scott-era songs, he faced some difficulties with the Brian Johnson tunes. Admitting to underestimating the nuances of Johnson’s singing style, Cester learned valuable lessons from the experience.

Fast forward to the present, Jet has announced their return with plans for a new album in 2025, marking their first release since 2009. The band expressed their excitement on social media, stating, “After 15 years, we’ve started work on a new album set for release in 2025!”

In addition to working on new music, Jet is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Get Born, with a spring Australian tour and a series of US shows scheduled for October. Fans can secure tickets for their upcoming performances and witness the band’s electrifying stage presence.

As for AC/DC, the band welcomed Brian Johnson back and is gearing up for their first tour in eight years. Music enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing the iconic rock group’s powerhouse performances live as they hit the stage later this month.

Watch Nic Cester reminisce about his audition for AC/DC and browse through Jet’s 2024 tour dates below to catch the band in action: