AC/DC tried out a singer from a tribute band before asking Axl Rose to temporarily front the group.

The Guns N' Roses man will sing for the rock icons on tour this summer, with massive dates in Europe among the concerts scheduled.

Rose was recruited after singer Brian Johnson was told he risked complete hearing loss if he continued to perform live.

However, Lee Robinson - the frontman of North Carolina AC/DC tribute act Thunderstruck - says he was asked to audition for the slot.

Speaking to Blabbermouth, the singer said he attended the try-out in Atlanta after failing to sleep for three days due to excitement and nervousness.

He said: "When I heard [they had a teleprompter for song words], I pretty much passed out. I didn’t have to worry about forgetting the lyrics anymore."

Robinson, who was recommended by AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams, didn't get the gig - but it seems the band were impressed.

The vocalist said of guitarist Angus Young: "'Whatever happens,’ he told me, ‘you’ve got a helluva voice'."

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Watch the tribute band in action below: