The rumour mill for the new AC/DC album is in full effect, with various reports confirming the band are working with Brian Johnson on a new record.
Back in 2016, the world of rock music was shocked to learn that Brian Johnson had departed from AC/DC on “doctor’s orders”.
Addressing the news in a later statement, Johnson revealed that his departure was due to medically diagnosed hearing loss, saying he was “personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine” and called the news “the darkest day of my professional life”.
Since then, AC/DC went on to tour with Guns N’ Roses vocalist (and noted fan) Axl Rose fronting the band, and rumours circulated about whether ‘Axl/DC’ would make an album together.
However, in recent months, news has come forth to suggest that not only is AC/DC working on a new album, but that it will feature the likes of Phil Rudd, the late Malcolm Young, and even Brian Johnson.
While these rumours were undoubtedly exciting fans, things got even more interesting when word of an impending tour announcement from the group was floated, with Johnson supposedly set to front the group once again.
Although we’re still waiting for both confirmation of a new record and accompanying tour, it seems as though the album’s sessions are some of the worst-kept secrets in rock, with two new accounts of the new album emerging this weekend.
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Check out reports of AC/DC’s new album:
https://twitter.com/deesnider/status/1202958910191222785
https://twitter.com/deesnider/status/1203349266242134016
https://twitter.com/deesnider/status/1203415708161466374
Speaking to Loudwire recently, Nergal of Polish extreme metal outfit Behemoth revealed that he knows more than most do about a new AC/DC record, confirming that they’re working on a new album with both Brian Johnson and backing tracks made by Malcolm Young.
“I know there’s a new AC/DC album in the making with Malcolm Young,” he explained. “It’s coming. It’s going to be an outtake from Rock Or Bust.
“What do I expect? I expect nothing more and nothing less, just give me fucking rhythm and Angus and Malcom’s guitar. Don’t give me anything extra,” he concluded, before confirming that Brian Johnson “is back in the band.”
While this is undoubtedly huge news for fans of the band, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider also added to the rumour mill, taking to Twitter earlier today to note that AC/DC are “reuniting with new album next year, touring, celebrating 50 years together!” (Despite AC/DC not forming until 1973.)
Inferring that the band might also perform at the Superbowl Halftime show in 2021, Snider responded to a fan’s question about the health status of an unspecified member, who he assumed might have been Malcolm Young.
“He died,” Snider replied. “RIP Malcolm Young.
“But all four surviving members have reunited WITH tracks recorded by Malcolm while he was still alive. Malcolm’s nephew Stevie Young is replacing him (he’s done this a couple of times before).
“It’s as close as you can get to the original band.”
While another fan pointed out that the health issues the earlier fan mentioned might have referred to Brian Johnson’s hearing loss, Snider revealed that he “just saw Brian”, and added that “he’s good”.
At this stage, there’s no word as to when we might receive this long-awaited new record from AC/DC, or just who will be featured in the performing credits, but we’re figuring that at this point we’re only waiting for the official announcement to be made.
Whatever the case, you can be sure that the band’s return to the live stage (and record stores the world over) will be welcomed by every single one of their dedicated fans.
Check out ‘Rock Or Bust’ by AC/DC:
