Published: August 28, 2015
A Dallas tribute band vocalist shares the surreal experience of auditioning for one of rock’s biggest names during a crucial lineup shift.
During the search for a temporary replacement for Brian Johnson in 2016, AC/DC considered more than just world-famous vocalists. According to the Dallas-based AC/DC tribute band Back in Black, their singer Darren Caperna was one of the select few invited to audition for the legendary Australian rock group. The position was ultimately filled by Axl Rose, but not before several contenders were tested behind closed doors.
The audition was held during the week of March 14 at a private rehearsal facility in Atlanta, Georgia. Caperna received a phone call directly from AC/DC’s camp and immediately traveled to the location, accompanied by his bandmate and guitarist Mike Mroz.
Rehearsals began with a soundcheck led by the band’s technical crew, who played a couple of songs with Caperna to set proper levels and help him settle in. After a short break, AC/DC entered the room to greet the two musicians in person. The moment was surreal. As Mroz explained, “We were talking to the guitar techs, and suddenly I looked over my shoulder and Angus Young was standing behind me waiting to say hello.”
Once introductions were made and tea was served, the real work began. The audition, originally planned for three or four songs, transformed into an extended performance of 21 tracks. Caperna sang the entire Rock or Bust tour setlist, plus two additional songs personally requested by Angus Young: “Dog Eat Dog” and “Riff Raff.”
The session lasted more than four hours. During breaks, Angus shared stories about the late Bon Scott, adding to the dreamlike quality of the experience. Caperna recalled that the band and crew treated them with warmth, respect and genuine curiosity.
“It was all so surreal,” he said. “Everyone was really kind and treated us like peers. I still cannot believe I sang with AC/DC.”
Although the position later went to Axl Rose as a temporary solution, Caperna holds no resentment. Instead, he describes the audition as the highlight of his career.
“Even if I did not get the job, it was the experience of a lifetime. Now I have an amazing story to tell my future grandchildren,” he added.
The episode offered fans a rare glimpse into the behind-the-curtain process of one of rock’s most iconic bands, and it reinforced something important: sometimes the line between the stage and the audience is thinner than we think.
