http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/malcolm-young-of-ac-dc-plays-a-gretsch-6131-jet-firebird-news-photo/85999456?referrer=http%3a%2f%2fmusicfeeds.com.au%2fnews%2facdcs-malcolm-young-hospitalised-says-frontman%2f
Australian journalist and AC/DC biographer Jesse Fink says he’s “not expecting” to see Malcolm Young return to the group. The author of the new book The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC would not comment on the longtime guitarist’s condition, but said that his current illness will be keeping him sidelined.
“I’m not expecting to see Malcolm return,” Fink recently told Boston radio station WZLX. “I think the important thing is we all let Mal be and hope he can recover. But I think we should all expect that Stevie Young [Malcolm’s nephew, who’s filling in for his uncle on guitar] is in the band now.”
“As far as I’m concerned, his illness is a private matter,” Fink told Ultimate Classic Rock. “Fans seem to think his illness is just going to quickly go away and he’s going to be there on stage when they announce their tour. If what I have heard from numerous sources is true, then I expect Stevie Young will be touring with the band and not Malcolm. That’s not a seditious viewpoint. It’s realistic.”
Despite the sad news, Fink spoke enthusiastically about the band’s new album, which frontman Brian Johnson has confirmed is completed. “I’m hearing on very reliable authority the new album is up there with Black Ice or even better. So Stevie must be a good replacement for Mal,” said Fink.
Johnson first confirmed rumours of one of his bandmates’ illness back in April, while rubbishing persistent rumours that it would spell the end of the group. Later that month, the band issued their first statement regarding Malcolm Young’s ill-health and his break from the hard rock group.
Early last month, Johnson revealed that Young had been hospitalised, though he wouldn’t clarify just what was ailing the guitarist. The singer described Young’s nephew as a “magnificent” replacement for his uncle, but said it was difficult to record without Young’s presence in the studio.
Gallery: Australia’s Top 25 Guitarists (According To News Corp)
Top 25 Australian Guitarists
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1. Ian Moss (Cold Chisel) -
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2. Malcolm Young (AC/DC) -
03. Chrischeney
3. Chris Cheney (The Living End) -
04. Tommy Emmanuel Widescreen Wallpaper 21
4. Tommy Emmanuel -
05. Garethlidiard.thedrones
5. Gareth Liddiard (The Drones) -
06. Rowland
6. Rowland S. Howard (The Birthday Party, The Boys Next Door) -
Angus Young - AC/DC
7. Angus Young (AC/DC) -
08. Johnbutler
8. John Butler -
09. Kevinborichexpress
9. Kevin Borich (Kevin Borich Express) -
10. Lobbyloyde
10. Lobby Loyde (Coloured Balls) -
11. Diesel
11. Mark Lizotte (Diesel) -
12. Jefflang
12. Jeff Lang -
13. Kimsalmon
13. Kim Salmon (The Scientists) -
14. Deniztek
14. Deniz Tek (Radio Birdman) -
15. Orianthi
15. Orianthi -
16. Charlieowen
16. Charlie Owen (New Christs, Beasts Of Bourbon, Tex Don & Charlie) -
17. Spencerpjones
17. Spencer P. Jones (Beasts Of Bourbon) -
18. Joerobinson
18. Joe Robinson -
19. Rosshanaford
19. Ross Hannaford (Daddy Cool) -
20. SlavaGrigoryan
20. Slava Grigoryan -
21. Miadyson
21. Mia Dyson -
22. Ed Kuepper 2014 Pic 2
22. Ed Kuepper (The Saints) -
23. FEATURES Dan Kelly
23. Dan Kelly -
24. DAVEYLANEImage2
24. Davey Lane (You Am I) -
25. RichardGrossmanandBradShepherdfromHoodooGurus
25. Brad Shepherd (right, Hoodoo Gurus)
