AC/DC's BRIAN JOHNSON Says Band Is 'Very Likely' To Tour This Year

AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson says the band is "very likely" to tour before the end of the year.

AC/DC confirmed widespread reports in April that the band's guitarist, Malcolm Young was stepping down due to an undisclosed illness, with some outlets reporting that he suffered a stroke.

The legendary Australian act stated that it will "continue to make music," and began recording sessions with producer Brendan O'Brien last month. In addition, the band was previously expected to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year by playing 40 shows in selected cities around the world, which have not yet been announced.

Johnson offered an update on AC/DC's touring plans in a brief statement on his motor racing web site. While he was thanking fans for their support for his U.K. TV series, "Cars That Rock", he wrote: "[This] was my first ever go at presenting a TV series — and even though it may not show, I was real nervous. So am very relieved that you all seem to be enjoying it.

"We hope to bring you more shows in the near future but, of course, there is the slight distraction of my day job with AC/DC — and it looks very likely that we will be on the road again before the end of the year.

"So stand by for more music — and more 'Cars That Rock'."

As previously reported, AC/DC may have enlisted Stevie Young, the nephew of guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young, to take Malcolm's place in the band for the recording sessions for their 16th studio album. According to The Pulse Of Radio, an AC/DC fan named Jeff Lorenz posted a photo that he took of the band in Vancouver, where they are recording, saying that Stevie was visible in the picture.

Stevie Young played with AC/DC once before during a 1988 tour, while Malcolm stepped out to deal with his dependency on alcohol.

Legend has it that Stevie resembled his uncle closely enough that many fans reportedly didn’t even know Malcolm had left the tour.