Rumors of AC/DC’s imminent demise appear to be exaggerated.
Reports surfaced Monday in the band’s native Australia that the group was on the verge of announcing its retirement due to one band member’s (presumably guitarist Malcolm Young’s) serious illness. But insiders tell Billboard that there’s no truth to the rumor, though the group’s management and Columbia Records, its current label, have chosen not to comment on the matter.
Australia’s Noise11.com adds that the source of the retirement rumor was an email sent to Perth radio station 6PR from an anonymous tipster using the handle Thunderstruck. The station subsequently spread the word, setting off a flurry of reports first throughout Australia and then worldwide.
This is hardly the first time AC/DC has been rumored to be on the verge of retirement. Frontman Brian Johnson set off a furor in 2011 when he spoke of it, though he subsequently claimed to have been quoted out of context.
In fact, he told Billboard at the time that, “A journalist asked me once, ‘What do you think about retirement, Brian, seeing as you’re getting older?’ I said something honest and quite naive; I said, ‘Well, I’ll retire when I can’t do it anymore and as soon as I feel I can’t do it anymore, then I’ll retire.’ Next thing I now there’s a headline, ‘Brian Johnson’s gonna retire’ and I’m like, ‘Y’know, what a piece of shit that guy is.’ And it came out all wrong so you got to be careful what you say. Retirement is like anything… There’s a time when you have to call it quits. I don’t want to do it, and if we can get out and (do) the album and do another short little tour or something, have a bit of fun, I’m your man. I’ll be right there.”
In fact, the retirement speculation ran counter to yet another report that will likely please fans more. According to The Australian, AC/DC has booked six weeks of studio time in Vancouver, to work on a follow-up to 2008’s chart-topping, double-platinum “Black Ice, which was recorded there with producer Brendan O’Brien. Nobody in the band’s camp is commenting on that, either, but earlier this year Johnson predicted that AC/DC would indeed be working on a new album as well as playing a 40-date tour to commemorate the group’s 40th anniversary.
source: billboard.com
13 Responses
Sad if it’s true but when you chain smoke for your whole life this is what happens a shame but true. Lets all keep our hopes up that the band is not over black ice was a really good album.
Lets hope Malcom is ok. AC\DC is the only band that I am into, that I have never seen live. Hopefully I still have a chance.
I’m the opposite of you. Wouldn’t consider myself a massive fan, but digged some of the stuff they did. Saw them live the first time on the Heatseeker tour and was blown away. More energy than bands half their age. I hope you get the chance to see them Brian.
Im holding out hope u have a chance! I ssen them twice…they are a no frills meat/potatoes band…very tight and in the pocket…great live show and VERY LOUD! lol..im not a die hard fan but a fan nonetheless..although Im not a brian johnson fan in the least..I prefer bon scott..im probably in the minority I figure…
AC/DC IS 100% PURE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.
Oh no I pray this is only a rumor. Ac/dc have been my favorite band since I was a little kid and its my 9 year old sons favorite as well. I told him acdc would be hs first concert and I’m hoping I get one more chance to see them live so I can experience that with my son. IMHO there is no better live band than acdc. Some may call their music basic 4 on the floor rock and roll but try to play it. I’ve neve heard anyone cover acdc and have it come close to what they do. They just bring it and are the loudest band I’ve ever heard live. Please please let this be only a rumor.
Awesome post.