AC/DC: We are not retiring

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AC/DC: We are not retiring

AC/DC's Brian Johnson has slammed claims the band are set to retire.

The frontman, whose band mate Malcolm Young, one of the founding members of the group, is said to be ''seriously ill'', has rubbished rumours the Australian rock group will soon split and insists they want to make new music.

He told telegraph.co.uk: ''We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver.

''We're going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk, and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas. If anything happens, we'll record it.''

The singer confirmed that one member of the band - thought to be rhythm guitarist Malcolm, the older brother of lead guitarist Angus Young - has been ill, but said that his condition wouldn't necessarily mean the band would stop touring and recording.

He said: ''I wouldn't like to say anything either way about the future. I'm not ruling anything out. One of the boys has a debilitating illness, but I don't want to say too much about it.

''He is very proud and private, a wonderful chap. We've been pals for 35 years and I look up to him very much.''

AC/DC, also made up of bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Phil Rudd, are planning a tour to mark their 40th anniversary and Brian previously said he would like the band to play 40 concerts in 40 different venues.

He said: ''That would be a wonderful way to say bye bye. We would love to do it,'' adding,'' But it's all up in the air at the moment.''

Meanwhile, Choirboys frontman Mark Gable, who is close friends with Malcolm, 66, told Australia's ABC radio the musician is too sick to perform live again.

He said: ''It's not just that he is unwell, it's that it is quite serious. It will constitute that he definitely won't be able to perform live.

''He will probably not be able to record.''