AC/DC confirm Rock Or Bust

AC/DC have confirmed the release of 17th studio album Rock Or Bust on December 1 – and they’ve revealed mainman Malcolm Young won’t return to the band.

He bowed out earlier this year as a result of an unspecified illness, and was replaced in recording sessions by his nephew Stevie. The younger guitarist will take part in the Aussie giants’ 2015 world tour in his uncle’s place.

Columbia records say in a statement: “Rock Or Bust follows the immensely successful Black Ice album, which debuted at number 1 in 31 countries upon release in 2008, and has gone on to sell nearly 8 million copies worldwide.

Rock or Bust finds AC/DC once again working with producer Brendan O’Brien and mixer Mike Fraser. It’s the first album in the band’s 41-year history without Malcolm Young. Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition, he will not be returning to the band.

“Stevie, nephew of founding members Angus and Malcolm, plays rhythm guitar on Rock or Bust and will accompany the band on tour.”

The first track from the album, Play Ball, is to be revealed on September 27 on US TV channel TBS, in association with Major League Baseball.

AC/DC biographer Jesse Fink earlier this year reported it was likely Malcolm’s absence would become permanent. He said: “The important thing is we all let Mal be and hope he can recover. We should all expect that Stevie is in the band now.” Speaking of the new material he added: “I’m hearing on very reliable authority it’s up there with Black Ice, or even better – so Stevie must be a good replacement for Mal.”

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Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.