AC/DC have made the shock announcement this morning that former Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters frontman will be joining the band on a handful of rescheduled US tour dates as lead vocalist.

After longtime AC/DC frontman and vocalist Brian Johnson was advised to cease touring earlier this month, speculation was rife as to who would be his eventual replacement.

The strongest rumors to date seemed to suggest that Gun N Roses’ Axl Rose was the most likely contender, after he was spotted leaving the band’s rehearsal space. However, insider reports have since emerged that after rehearsing with the band for a number of weeks Rose was dropped after Angus Young became frustrated with him for constantly being late to rehearsals.

Pelle Almqvist of The Hives also put his hand up to replace Johnson after he finished supporting AC/DC on the Aussie leg of their world tour. Upon hearing the news of Grohl getting the gig, he offered his support. “I respect their choice. Dave will do incredibly well with them and is a great fit, but I’m still available if it doesn’t work out”.

Grohl’s new gig, albeit a temporary one, comes after Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins revealed the band are going on an indefinite hiatus, and this announcement seems to confirm that this is the case.

“The timing is just right now, for Dave,” a rep for the band said. “He might not have the vocal range of Brian Johnson but he possesses the onstage charisma of a young Bon Scott. Plus what shows dedication to ‘rock n roll’ more than to keep rocking even after breaking your leg in the middle of a show? All he has to do now is brush up on his lyrics.”

It is believed the band will try to incorporate Grohl’s Iron Throne Of Rock into their remaining stage shows, though it is not clear at this stage whether Angus or Grohl will occupy it.

AC/DC are expected to release a statement confirming the news after 12pm today.

UPDATE: Happy April Fools Day, readers! See more of today’s best pranks, here!

Watch Dave Grohl Forget The Words To An AC/DC Classic