US Edition 
AC/DC: We are not retiring
Exclusive: Brian Johnson, the frontman of the rock band AC/DC, tells Jake Wallis Simons that rumours that the band are about to split up following concerns for the health of Malcolm Young are not true
Brian Johnson, the flamboyant frontman of the rock band AC/DC, has debunked rumours that the band are about to split up following concerns for the health of one of the members. Instead, he revealed that the band are still planning to get together and write material for a prospective new album. (Watch the video here.)
Brian Johnson and Angus Young of AC/DC in 2001 (Action Press/REX)
"We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver," he told the Telegraph. "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."
He confirmed that one member of the band – thought to be rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, the older brother of school-uniform-wearing lead guitarist Angus Young – has been suffering from ill health, but denied that this meant the end of the road for the band.
"I wouldn't like to say anything either way about the future," he said. "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."
It has been reported that AC/DC are planning a tour to mark their 40th anniversary, which would involve 40 concerts in 40 different venues. "That would be a wonderful way to say bye bye," said Johnson. "We would love to do it. But it's all up in the air at the moment.
"AC/DC is such a tight family. We've stuck to our guns through the Eighties and Nineties when people were saying we should change our clothes and our style. But we didn't and people got it that we are the real deal."
Earlier, Young's difficulties were discussed by his friend Mark Gable, the frontman of fellow Australian band Choirboys who said it appeared the 61-year-old "is unable to perform any more". There were suggestions that Young had suffered a stroke.
Speculation about his health led to suggestions the band were on the brink of retirement, a rumour Johnson has now scotched.
However, the band has since released a statement confirming that guitarist Young, 61, is to take time out of the band "due to ill health":
"After forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health. Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support.
AC/DC: Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams, Angus Young and Brian Johnson (REX)
"In light of this news, AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family’s privacy be respected during this time. The band will continue to make music."
The band has previously survived the death of its singer when Scottish-born frontman Bon Scott died in 1980 after a night of heavy drinking in London, to be replaced by Johnson, who has remained as vocalist ever since.
