Rumors have been circulating Australia that the members of AC/DC are hanging it up due to illness.
The speculation emerged from comments made by entertainment commentator Peter Ford on radio station 3AW that “we may not hear them perform or record ever again”. As the rumor mill cranked into action earlier today, it was reported that founding guitarist and songwriter Malcolm Young had returned to Australia with his family. “He is believed to be unable to continue playing, although there has not been any explanation why,” the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Writer Darryl Mason was more direct, posting a story under the headline "RIP AC/DC: 1973 – 2014" on his blog. Mason continues:
"Nothing has been officially confirmed, as of this writing, but friends and family members have been discussing what happened to Malcolm for the past couple of weeks. The blood clot, resulting from the stroke, is believed to be why Malcolm couldn't keep working.
Although friends have described Malcolm's condition as serious, it doesn't mean he won't recover. People do get better after strokes, and people do recover lost skills.
But friends and family of band members believe the decision was made last week to call it quits.
Media in Australia have gone ballistic today on rumours of The End Of AC/DC, and it appears the news got out ahead of a planned official announcement from the band and management.
Right now, that announcement is expected …and a press conference has been scheduled."
News regarding the illness gained credence earlier this year when singer Brian Johnson told a Florida radio station in February a band member was ill but remained silent as to who it was or what was wrong. "One of our boys was pretty ill, so we didn't like to say anything, and we're very private about things like this, so we didn't wanna say anything."
Here is a report from Australia's 3AW: