AC/DC singer Brian Johnson is sharing an update on the status of the band’s new album, recorded in Vancouver over the past two months without founding member Malcolm Young.
“It was brilliant over there,” Johnson tells Classic Rock. “We’re done. I’m very excited and we’ve got some great songs.”
“We miss Malcolm obviously,” he continued. “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. Stevie, Malcolm’s nephew, was magnificent, but when you’re recording with this thing hanging over you and your work mate isn’t well, it’s difficult. 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.”
On April 16, AC/DC issued a statement regarding the band’s status and future in the wake of rumors surrounding Malcolm’s health and their possible retirement.
“After forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health,” posted the band. “Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support.”
“In light of this news,” they added, “AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family’s privacy be respected during this time. The band will continue to make music.”
AC/DC recorded the new album at Vancouver’s Warehouse Studio with producer Brendan O’Brien (Aerosmith, Pearl Jam). O'Brien previously teamed up with the Aussie rockers to produce their 2008 album, “Black Ice”, at the same location.
Johnson admitted the band had discussed a number of album titles with the new release due to hit stores later this year or early 2015.
“I wanted to call the album Man Down,” he revealed. “But it’s a bit negative and it was probably just straight from the heart. I like that.”
The rocker also recently suggested that the group could be on the road by the end of 2014.
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