Yesterday, rumors surfaced that Malcolm Young, the founder and main songwriter of AC/DC suffered a stroke so bad recently that he cannot currently perform with the band. The rumors were that rather than move forward, the band would just call it quits. But that doesn't seem to be the case.
Early this morning, AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson spoke to Telegraph UK saying the band still plans to hit the studio:
"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."
When asked if any member of the band had taken ill, he wouldn't say who but did say "one of the boys has a debilitating illness."
We can confirm that it's Malcolm Young with the illness, as the band just released an official statement saying the older Young brother will be "taking a break" from the band:
“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.
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.”
It's certainly a bummer that Malcolm cannot perform with the band but clearly the members see this as a business and there is money to be made. I'm sure Malcolm has some medical bills that need paying and ultimately, there is still demand for AC/DC to play, so why wouldn't they go for the opportunity?
