Legendary Australian rock band AC/DC, one of the biggest bands in the history of rock music, is reportedly set to announce their retirement. The group, which was formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, are on the brink of publicly declaring their immediate split, with rumours abounding that Malcolm’s deteriorating health is the catalyst for the announcement.
The group formed in 1973 in Sydney. Malcolm and Angus’ older brother George was already a successful musician in his own right, having been a member of the groundbreaking group, The Easybeats. AC/DC took their name after a suggestion from the Young’s sister Margaret, who saw the phrase on the side of a sewing machine. By the mid 70s the band had recruited front man Bon Scott and had found their breakthrough with the albums High Voltage, T.N.T, and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. International acclaim and popularity soon swelled. Following Scott’s untimely death in 1980, the group continued on with newly recruited vocalist Brian Johnson. In mid 1980 the group released Back in Black, which went on to sell over 50 million copies world wide, making it the fourth highest selling album of all time. The band’s last album, Black Ice, was released in 2008, which was followed by their most recent, and ultimately last, tour of Australia in 2010. They had been planning a 40th anniversary tour and recording to take place at some point this year.
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford broke the news on 3AW earlier this morning, stating “The suggestion is being put to me that tour will never happen and we will never see AC/DC perform again or record again.” “My information is that Malcolm Young, one of the founding members of the group, has in recent times returned to Australia to live with his family and for his own personal reasons he may not want to continue with the band.“
RUMOUR FILE-more details from ‘Thunderstruck’ this morning-ACDC’s MALCOLM YOUNG & his family have moved back to Oz because he is very sick
— News Talk 6PR 882 (@6PR) April 14, 2014
More to come as the story develops.
Photo: Kevin Mazur via Getty Images.
