AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson feels betrayed by fellow band mates after they revealed he was losing his hearing – with claims they have already replaced him

AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson says he was betrayed by band members

Johnson, 68, told by doctor that he could lose his hearing

Australian rock icons cancelled 10 remaining shows on US tour

His hearing problem was reportedly made public by his band mates 

Johnson revealed to friend he’d been ‘kicked to the kerb’

Lead singer believes he’s already been replaced after 36 years in the role

AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson has revealed he feels betrayed by his band-mates after they revealed he was losing his hearing and had already decided on his replacement.

The iconic heavy rock band called off the 10 remaining shows on their 2016 US tour, amid doctor’s fears Johnson, 68, would go deaf if he kept performing.

Johnson has told close friend Jim Breuer, an American comedian, that he’d been ‘kicked to the kerb and believes his successor may already have been picked.

Breuer said he visited the singer at his Florida home and found his long-time friend to be ‘really depressed.’

‘But he wasn’t upset about his health,’ he revealed on his podcast.

‘He was upset in that he kind of feels he got kicked to the kerb.’

Johnson does not believe his hearing is so dire and felt he could still perform some shows, especially open-air concerts where there would be less pressure on his ears.

‘AC/DC’s lead singer, Brian Johnson, has been advised by doctors to stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss,’ a statement on the band’s official website said.

But Johnson had told his fellow rockers about his doctor’s examination in the hope of finding a solution but ‘literally the next day in the press it was, “Tour cancelled; he’s losing his hearing”,’ Breuer added.

The comedian said that Johnson told him that the band’s co-founder, guitarist Angus Young, was unresponsive and that all of Johnson’s luggage from the tour was unceremoniously delivered to his home.

‘He heard from someone that they have already hired somebody and it just hasn’t been announced yet,’ Breuer aadded.

He said the tour could consist of ‘karaoke guest stars’ who will appear for individual shows.

Johnson is not an original AC/DC member. He joined the band in 1980 after singer Bon Scott died following a night of heavy drinking.

But the first AC/DC work with Johnson, ‘Back in Black’ was a phenomenal success and remains one of the top-selling albums of all time.

Dave Evans, who was briefly AC/DC’s vocalist before the band chose the more experienced Scott, has reportedly volunteered to rejoin.

Johnson’s woes are only the latest for the rock elders. Angus Young’s brother, Malcolm Young, 63, was forced to retire from the band ahead of the latest album ‘Rock or Bust’ after the onset of dementia.

Malcolm announced his retirement from the band in late 2014 following his diagnoses amid concerns about his health.

AC/DC co-founder and Malcolm’s younger brother, Angus, 60, opened up about his brother’s illness explaining he had been showing early signs as far back as the band’s Black Ice World Tour in 2008.

The lead guitarist said he had hoped Malcolm would show signs of recovery but unfortunately did not.

It was Malcolm who convinced the band to continue touring and making music, hiring Steve Young, 59, the pair’s nephew, as his replacement.

The band has also parted ways with long-time drummer Phil Rudd, who was convicted in New Zealand of threatening to kill an employee.

Rudd was sentenced to eight months’ home detention after he pleaded guilty to charges of threatening to kill, and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

As part of his sentence, the Australian-born drummer was placed on alcohol restrictions, however ended up back in a New Zealand court soon afterwards charged with breaching the ban.

At the time of his sentencing, Judge Thomas Ingram warned Rudd, 61, he would be jailed if he was found with any traces of drugs or alcohol in his system.

The veteran drummer has been openly dismissive of his replacement Chris Slade, who now tours worldwide AC/DC, saying, ‘Chris Slade is a good drummer, but I’ve got no idea what he’s doing up there.’

‘I’ve got nothing against Chris. He hasn’t got a permanent job — I hope. I’m the man.’