AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson has given fans an update on the condition of bandmate Malcolm Young, confirming that the ailing guitarist is currently in hospital. Johnson addressed Young’s much-publicised health battles during a recent interview about the hard rock icons’ upcoming new album.
The frontman confirmed in the interview with Classic Rock magazine that the band’s 15th studio album has been completed and that Young’s presence in the studio had been missed. “We miss Malcolm obviously. He’s a fighter. He’s in hospital but he’s a fighter. We’ve got our fingers crossed that he’ll get strong again,” Johnson, the first band member to confirm Young’s illness, explained.
During the same interview with the Telegraph in which Johnson confirmed that Young had fallen ill and would be taking a break from his role in the legendary hard rock group, Johnson rubbished rumours that the band was on the verge of splitting and confirmed a new album was forthcoming.
The band regrouped in Vancouver, Canada in May to record the album, with Stevie Young filling in for his ailing uncle. “Stevie, Malcolm’s nephew, was magnificent. But when you’re recording [a new album] with this thing hanging over you and your work mate isn’t well, it’s difficult,” Johnson said.
“But I’m sure he was rooting for us. He’s such a strong man. He’s a small guy but he’s very strong. He’s proud and he’s very private, so we can’t say too much. But fingers crossed he’ll be back,” the frontman added, echoing the similar sentiments that he expressed to the Telegraph back in April.
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)