In an interview with The Telegraph, Brian Johnson of legendary rock band AC/DC admits that one of the band members is suffering from a severe illness, but that the band has no plans to retire.
Over the past couple of days, rumors have risen that rhythm guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young faced a serious illnes that jeopardized the future of the band. Johnson declined to name Malcolm Young specifically, saying the following:
“I wouldn’t like to say anything either way about the future. I’m not ruling anything out. One of the boys has a debilitating illness, but I don’t want to say too much about it. He is very proud and private, a wonderful chap. We’ve been pals for 35 years and I look up to him very much.”
Rather than retire, AC/DC is contemplating a trip to the studio. Johnson:
“We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver. We’re going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk, and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas. If anything happens, we’ll record it.”
The album would be the band’s first since 2008’s Black Ice. Earlier this year, the band announced that they would be playing 40 shows in celebration of their 40th anniversary. No word yet if that tour is still in the works.
-David Melamed (@DMelamz)
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