AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson has revealed the band has completed work on the follow-up to Black Ice.
The Geordie hero returned to his hometown of Newcastle to pick up his Doctorate in Music from the city’s Northumbria University and he confirmed AC/DC’s new album is done following a series of quickfire recording sessions in Vancouver.
The 66-year-old says: “It was brilliant over there. We’re done. I’m very excited and we’ve got some great songs.”
But Johnson admitted the continued absence of founder member Malcolm Young had cast a shadow over the band’s latest stint in the studio.
He adds: “We miss Malcolm obviously. He’s a fighter. He’s in hospital but he’s a fighter. We’ve got our fingers crossed that he’ll get strong again. Stevie, Malcolm’s nephew, was magnificent, but when you’re recording with this thing hanging over you and your work mate isn’t well, it’s difficult. But I’m sure he was rooting for us. He’s such a strong man. He’s a small guy but he’s very strong. He’s proud and he’s very private so we can’t say too much. But fingers crossed he’ll be back.”
Johnson admitted the band had discussed a number of album titles with the new release due to hit stores later this year or early 2015.
And he added: “I wanted to call the album Man Down. But it’s a bit negative and it was probably just straight from the heart. I like that.”
Johnson received his honorary degree from Northumbria University’s vice chancellor Prof Andrew Wathey, who says: “Brian has been an inspiration to the people of the North East and rock fans the world over.
“His ambition, dedication and talent is second to none. His passion for excellence has propelled the boy from Dunston to the top of the rock world.”
AC/DC are readying a world tour.
source: classicrockmagazine.com
30 Responses
Get well soon Malcolm, you are missed and truly one of the all time great rhythm guitarists of all time. Can’t wait for the new album. Would love to see a sort of throw back album with 9 or 10 gems on it, like powerage or back in black. How about naming the album “dirty rhythm” in honor of Malcolm. Although I’m sure the new album will be epic, an acdc world tour is not something to be missed. No matter if your a big fan or not, nobody, and I mean nobody brings it live like acdc. They are a true working mans band and give their fans a show for the ages. No matter how far you are from Maine, I will be there with my 10 year old son, and I want him to experience a true rock show. This could be their last tour folks so no matter if you are a fan of newer hard rock or more classic rock, you will never see a better live rock performance than acdc.
Stevie Young is Malcom’s replacement on the new album and tour. He’s done it before when Malcom was replaced on the Blow Up Your Video Tour. Photos of the band recently are kinda shocking especially Angus….he looks just horrible. 7 weeks recording. You can believe this was Black Ice material piled on with Stevie Young. They usually take months.