“Since I can’t run around for you, we’re gonna bring out a friend, put a little life into things for us,” said Axl Rose, confined to a throne of guitars on the Guns ‘N Roses stage at the Coachella music festival in California at the weekend.

With that, in his trademark schoolboy uniform, AC/DC guitarist Angus Young duck-walked across the stage as the Gunners powered through AC/DC classics Riff Raff and Whole Lotta Rosie.

Young’s surprise cameo came only hours after the band finally confirmed the worst-kept secret since Caitlyn Jenner’s nip and tuck that Rose will replace singer Brian Johnson on the final 20 dates of the ‘Rock Or Bust’ world tour.

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The Australian/Scottish supergroup issued what many fans thought was a formal and unemotional statement thanking Johnson for his more than three decades of service (“AC/DC band members would like to thank Brian Johnson for his contributions and dedication to the band throughout the years.”)

They then quickly moved on to welcoming Rose into the fold. It’s likely millions of dollars changed hands, but no arrangements were divulged.

In less than two years, AC/DC have lost their singer (Johnson), guitarist (Malcolm Young to dementia) and drummer Phil Rudd (to drugs charges), leaving only Angus and bass player Cliff Williams from the classic line-up.

‘Seedies’ fans have taken to social media, mostly decrying the new singer. Some suggested it’s time Angus Young hung up his cap.

However, judging by the Coachella set, Young seems more energised than ever. Finally freed of the band he has maintained for 43 years, he seemed to relish the less rigid sound of Gun ‘N Roses. Young played some of his best guitar in many years and enjoyed bouncing off Slash and the other Gunners.

Rose, too, sounded revitalised after more than two decades of aimlessness and disappointment, despite being confined to sitting after breaking his foot while performing at Troubadour during the band’s first reunion show. The notoriously reclusive singer is on the road this year with both Guns and AC/DC. His voice is more interesting, more powerful and versatile than Johnson’s when AC/DC visited Australia a few months ago.

Given that there has been no stampede for ticket refunds once Johnson’s retirement was announced in March, it appears fans are trusting that Young can reinvent AC/DC once again, as he did in 1980 after Bon Scott’s tragic death. Many fans felt the group were neither as pure nor as exciting without Scott, but in his absence they went on to become the second or third-biggest selling rock group on the planet.

Of course, the Twittersphere was flooded with indignation – but there were positive notes as well.

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— Axl Rose (@axlrose) April 17, 2016

@axlrose Highway to “Ax” Hell!!!!! It’s on! Can’t wait! Busiest man in the business. 2016 year of the Rose! — Elias Romero (@LIAS1229) April 17, 2016

@axlrose can’t wait to see you with AC/DC

— lari (@lari_hudgens) April 17, 2016

AC/DC and Angus Young are falling into line with the current trend in consolidating and reforming classic rock groups. Guns ‘N Roses bass player Duff McKagen is on leave from the Hollywood Vampires tour; that band features Alice Cooper and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry.

As more and more classic rock stars develop dementia or fade away, the talent pool shrinks. But equally, the frisson of a new super combo adds to bands’ appeal.

The Rolling Stones may have The Yardbirds’ Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck on hold should something happen to the accident-prone Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood. Rod Stewart recently reformed the Faces with only half the band still alive. The Who replaced drummer Keith Moon with Ringo Starr’s son Zak and so it goes on.

All eyes are on Young as to whether he can make the new AC/DC work. The proof will be in Lisbon on May 7 when the ‘Rock Or Bust’ tour resumes.