Legendary Australian hard rock band AC/DC are planning on returning to the recording studio in May and anticipating a tour of 40 concerts in celebrating of their 40th anniversary in 2014, according to lead singer Brian Johnson.
During a recent interview with US radio station 98.7 The Gater (below), Johnson revealed that although the group have previously denied rumours of their plans to record due to one of their members struggling with illness, they’re now set to lay down some new material this year.
“One of our boys was pretty ill,” he said, “We didn’t like to say anything, and we’re very private about things like this, so we didn’t wanna say anything. But I think we’ll be going in the studio in May in Vancouver.”
Last year, Johnson spoke with radio station 107.7 The Bone last year about the illness within the band. “Even though we’ve done well, we still have the same roots that we stick by that we did when we had nothing,” he said. “We’re just five pieces of a card, and if one of us is not really [able to perform], the whole thing would just collapse.”
In his interview with The Gater, Johnson also revealed to that the band plan on celebrating their 40th anniversary by playing 40 concerts around the world. “It’s been 40 years of the band’s existence, so I think we’re gonna try to do 40 gigs, 40 shows, to thank the fans for their undying loyalty. I mean, honestly, our fans are just the best in the world, and we appreciate every one of them,” he said. “You know what?! It’s been four years [since the band last toured], and I’m really looking forward to it.”
In March last year, AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams said guitarists Malcolm and Angus Young were already writing songs for the band’s next album. At the time he admitted they were taking it slowly, explaining, “We’re still getting over the last tour, so we’re just hanging out and doing stuff. The guys are writing material and when they’ve got some stuff together, they’ll give us a holler.”
AC/DC’s latest studio album, 2008’s Black Ice, was supported by an almost two-year-long world tour. If and when the group release their next studio album, it will be their sixteenth full-length release.
Listen: Brian Johnson interview on 98.7 The Gater, Florida
Watch: AC/DC – Highway To Hell (Live At River Plate, 2009)
