Malcolm Young will take a break, but the band will continue
AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson spoke exclusively to the British newspaper The Telegraph about rumors of the band's retirement. In recent days, news circulated that, due to guitarist Malcolm Young suffering a stroke, the band would not record albums or perform live.
Johnson confirmed that one of the band members is ill, but that AC/DC still plans to go into the studio in Vancouver in May: “We’re definitely going into the studio. We’re going to get our guitars, strum, see if anyone has any ideas or melodies. If something comes up, we’ll record.”
The vocalist, however, stated that he doesn't rule anything out regarding the band's future: “I don't like to talk about the future. I don't rule anything out. One of the guys has a debilitating illness, but I don't like to talk much about it. He's proud and reserved, and an incredible guy. We've been friends for 35 years and I admire him very much.”
Rumors of retirement began when Mark Gable, a friend of the band, publicly stated that Malcolm Young was no longer fit to play and that the band would not continue. In February, Johnson had already announced plans to enter the studio in May.
*Update: On April 16th, AC/DC posted the following statement on their official Facebook page: “After 40 years dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young will be taking a break from his activities with the band due to health issues. Malcolm thanks AC/DC's passionate fans for their love and support. In light of this news, AC/DC requests privacy for Malcolm and his family. The band confirms that they will continue to make music.”