Dallas-based AC/DC tribute band Back In Black has announced that long-time frontman Darren Caperna was selected by AC/DC to audition as their potential new vocalist.

The audition took place the week of March 14th at a private rehearsal studio in Atlanta. Caperna was contacted by AC/DC via phone, and was immediately flown out by the band. Joining him was founding Back In Black member and guitarist Mike Mroz.

The audition began with a sound check, whereby the AC/DC tech crew performed a couple of songs with Caperna, to set levels, and to help him feel more comfortable. Then after a short break, AC/DC came in the room and greeted both Caperna and Mroz.

“After the soundcheck , Darren and I were talking to the guitar techs, and all of a sudden I look over my shoulder and Angus Young was standing behind me waiting to say hi!”, said Mroz.

After meeting the band, and having some tea, AC/DC put Caperna to work. The 3-4 song audition turned into a 21-song concert. Caperna ended up singing the entire Rock Or Bust tour set, plus two additional songs that Angus wanted to play, “Dog Eat Dog”, and “Riff Raff”.

Caperna comments: “Before we started “Riff Raff”, Angus came up to me, and said “I’m warning you in advance that we are still a little rusty on this song!” Did I just hear Angus apologizing to me?!”

Mroz and Caperna spent over 4 hours with their musical heroes. Caperna states “It was all so surreal, we had a couple of breaks, and Angus told me some great Bon Scott stories. They were all so friendly, and treated us as their peers. I still can’t believe that I sang with AC/DC!”

Caperna adds, “Even though I did not get the job, it was the experience of a lifetime! Being in a tribute band for 16 years, we were hoping that we would be able to meet AC/DC one day - but this goes way beyond our expectations! Now, I have a great story to tell my grandchildren, and the guitar students that I teach at For Those About To Rock School in Southlake, Texas.

“This experience was so inspiring and educational - Plus, I had my own private AC/DC concert, fronted by my singer”, Mroz continues. “At the end of the night, I saw Angus outside, and he told me that Darren had done a great job. I thanked him again for the opportunity. I told him that when I first started our tribute band (Back In Black), I was a little uncomfortable wearing his trademark schoolboy outfit. But then I realized that it drove the girls crazy!” Angus laughed and replied “Don’t tell anyone our secret!”

As reported, Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose will front AC/DC for their upcoming live dates.

"AC/DC band members would like to thank Brian Johnson for his contributions and dedication to the band throughout the years. We wish him all the best with his hearing issues and future ventures.  As much as we want this tour to end as it started, we understand, respect and support Brian's decision to stop touring and save his hearing. We are dedicated to fulfilling the remainder of our touring commitments to everyone that has supported us over the years, and are fortunate that Axl Rose has kindly offered his support to help us fulfill this commitment."

AC/DC will resume their Rock Or Bust World Tour with Axl Rose joining on vocals. The European stadium tour dates begin on May 7th in Lisbon, Portugal and run through June 12th in Aarhus, Denmark as previously announced (see below for full itinerary).  Following this European run of dates with AC/DC, Axl Rose will head out on his Guns N' Roses, 'Not In This Lifetime' Summer Stadium Tour.

The 10 postponed US shows will be rescheduled and announced imminently, also with Axl Rose.

AC/DC European Tour Dates:

May
7 - Lisbon, Portugal - Passeio Maritimo De Alges
10 - Seville, Spain - Estadio De La Cartuja
13 - Marseille, France - Stade Velodrome
16 - Werchter, Belgium - Werchter Site
19 - Vienna, Austria - Erns-Happel Stadium
22 - Prague, Czech Republic - Letnany Airport
26 - Hamburg, Germany - Volksparkstadion
29 - Berne, Switzerland - Stade De Suisse

June
1 - Leipzig, Germany - Red Bull Arena
4 - London, England - The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
9 - Manchester, England - Etihad Stadium
12 - Aarhus, Denmark - Ceres Park

AC/DC tickets