AC/DC start album work

AC/DC have begun studio work in Canada on a prospective new album – without mainman Malcolm Young.

It was confirmed last month he’d be “taking a break” from the Aussie giants after suffering health issues, which are rumoured to be serious.

A fan site confirmed that several long-term roadies had arrived with band equipment, and that producer Brendan O’Brien is behind the desk. He previously worked with them on 2008’s Black Ice and has also produced Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, Mastodon, Killswitch Engage and many others.

Vocalist Brian Johnson recently said AC/DC had been planning to perform 40 shows to mark their 40th anniversary – but the move is in doubt after the announcement regarding Young.

Meanwhile, early-era drummer Tony Currenti, who appeared on AC/DC’s first album, has performed live for the first time since the 1970s.

The former session musician, who now owns a pizza restaurant in Sydney, appeared in a music venue in the city and played three numbers with a group of local musicians.

Author Jesse Fink reports: “After 38 years away from the music, High Voltage and 74 Jailbreak drummer Tony made an impromptu return last night at the Bald Faced Stag.”

Fink adds that Currenti tried to make contact with his former colleagues in 2010 but “his efforts were unsuccessful.” He recently reconnected with former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans.

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.