Hartlepool man '˜thunderstruck' by AC/DC gig cancellation

A Hartlepool man's trip of a lifetime to the US to see his favourite band for the first time has turned into a Highway to Hell after the group were forced to cancel the show.
David and Karen Pattinson with confirmation of their tickets to see the now cancelled AC/DC concert in New York's Madison Square GardenDavid and Karen Pattinson with confirmation of their tickets to see the now cancelled AC/DC concert in New York's Madison Square Garden
David and Karen Pattinson with confirmation of their tickets to see the now cancelled AC/DC concert in New York's Madison Square Garden

David Pattinson was all set to celebrate his 50th birthday in style with loving wife Karen in New York City next month, with rockers AC/DC’s gig at Maddison Square Garden set to be one of the highlights.

Karen had shelled out almost $140 each for the two passes.

But the couple were left Thunderstruck after the group revealed that its Geordie frontman, Brian Johnson, was advised to “stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss”.

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AC/DC said in a statement that the dates will be rescheduled.

Karen and her daughter Abigail, 13, had clubbed together to save up and buy the tickets so that David’s trip would be extra special.

Lifelong fan David, who works as a research technician in the physics department at Durham University, said: “It’s a shame because I was really looking forward to seeing them.

“The news about Brian came as a bit of a shock and it was Karen who told me after seeing it on Twitter.

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“My first vinyl LP was AC/DC’s Back in Black and it’s been a bit of a lifetime ambition to see them.”

“David used to love AC/DC when he was younger, so when I found out they were playing New York I wanted to get tickets,” said Karen, who works as a clerk typist for the NHS.

“He’d been getting a few of their albums out as a kind of trip down memory lane before we go.

“It’s a real shame that we won’t get to see them but that’s just one of those things.”

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David and Karen, who have been married for two years, say they will still be hoping to make the most of their trip.

“We’ve got tickets to see the New York Rangers ice hockey team so I just hope that’s not called off as well!” added David.

“I was a big fan of Durham Wasps when they were going so I’ve always wanted to go and see a match in America.”

Johnson, originally from Gateshead, has been AC/DC’s lead singer since 1980.

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The band released its latest album Rock or Bust in November 2014.

A statement on the band’s website following the news reads: “AC/DC are forced to reschedule the 10 upcoming dates on the US leg of their “Rock or Bust” World Tour.

“AC/DC’s lead singer, Brian Johnson, has been advised by doctors to stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss.

“More information regarding these rescheduled shows to come.

“Current ticket holders can hold on to their tickets for the rescheduled dates or receive a refund at point of purchase.”