AC/DC in 2015: Cliff Williams, Chris Slade, Angus Young, Stevie Young and Brian Johnson. (Photo: Josh Cheuse)
Fans seeking updates – any news – on a new AC/DC album know to search well beyond the band’s Facebook account. The group hasn’t posted there since its page shared the news of founder Malcolm Young’s passing on November 18, 2017.
So sightings of past (Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd) and present members (Angus Young and Stevie Young) showing up at a Vancouver recording studio got plenty of attention last year.
Now, Johnson who was replaced as the band’s lead singer in 2016 by Axl Rose for tour dates, has reportedly acknowledged that he’s back. Blabbermouth.net reported on January 29 what the grindcore band Terrorizer wrote on their Facebook page the day before:
“We ran into Brian Johnson from AC/DC at the airport today… and we asked him about the rumors of him being on the new AC/DC album and he said ‘yes’ and that he is ‘sick of denying it’.”
July 2019 Update: AC/DC reunion appears imminent
Watch Al Pacino predicting Johnson’s return
In August 2018, it was also reported that the still-unconfirmed album would include contributions from rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young in the form of unused recordings made years ago, according to a report that originated with the Dallas-based JAM Magazine.
In a Facebook post titled “AC/DC SCOOP!” the magazine stated: “We are hearing from a reliable source inside the AC/DC camp that Angus Young is working on a new AC/DC album that will be dedicated to his brother, the late Malcolm Young.
“Here’s the exciting part… the new recordings will include Malcolm Young playing rhythm guitar on ALL TRACKS!
“Turns out, five years prior to the Black Ice LP, AC/DC’s 15th studio release, Angus and Malcolm Young lived together where they literally wrote hundreds of songs, many were recorded and have been stashed away until now.
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“Angus has decided to select the best tracks from those recordings that Malcolm played on and is now back in the studio recording and mixing them with fellow band mates Phil Rudd, Cliff Williams and yes, Brian Johnson on vocals.
“Not sure when the release date will be announced but this should give all the Hardcore AC/DC fans a hard on!”
The news, if it proves true, would be a bright light in what’s been a terrible period for fans of the Australian hard-rockers. First Malcolm was replaced due to the onset of dementia. Then drummer Phil Rudd had legal difficulties and had to bow out of performing with the group. Johnson, due to hearing issues, was replaced by Rose and finally bassist Cliff Williams announced he would retire at the end of the band’s latest tour. The seismic changes meant that Angus Young was now the only original member of AC/DC still active within the band.
Johnson’s hearing issues have apparently improved enough to record. It remains to be seen if he could tour.
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Watch Johnson sing “Back in Black” in 2017
The new recording, it’s been reported elsewhere, will also include input from Rudd, Johnson and Williams, as well as Rose.
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Jump into a conversation“Brian Johnson Says He’s In”. What ? I sorry can you repeat that?