AC/DC frontman denies break-up rumours

AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson has rubbished reports the legendary Australian rock band is about to retire.

But he has acknowledged a band member is suffering a "debilitating illness".

That band member is understood to be founding guitarist and songwriter Malcolm Young, who is with his family in Sydney in a frail state following a severe stroke, Fairfax Media reports.

Young reportedly is unlikely to play again and could be moved to respite care.

But since those reports surfaced Johnson has told Britain's The Telegraph the band was not splitting up, although he admitted an uncertain future lay ahead.

"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," Johnson was quoted as saying.

"We've been pals for 35 years and I look up to him very much."

Johnson said plans for a 40th anniversary world tour next year were "up in the air" but in the short term the band intends to keep its date with a recording studio in Vancouver next month.

"We're going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas," he said.

"If anything happens, we'll record it."

Source: The Telegraph

Author: Erin Tennant, Approving editor: Matthew Henry