AC/DC Fans Ready For Release of ‘Rock or Bust’

Although AC/DC has been around since the early 1970’s, endured the loss of their lead singer Bon Scott, and went on to become one of the highest-grossing rock bands of all time, they do not appear ready to ease into retirement quietly just yet. On December 2nd, their latest album, Rock or Bust, is set for release in the U.S. It will be released on November 28th in the group’s home country of Australia.

With the good, unfortunately, comes the bad this time around. As fans were welcoming news of the new album release, sad news surfaced about founding member Malcolm Young’s retirement from the group. Although news regarding exactly why one of the founding brothers of the group was retiring was not immediately revealed, it was later learned that the 61-year-old is suffering from dementia. The release of the new album certainly gives the appearance that AC/DC plans to continue on, but the departure of Malcolm Young is bound to have a profound effect on the remaining members, particularly since Malcolm has been cited in the past as the business man behind AC/DC.

News from the AC/DC official website states that, “the band will continue to make music,” which is as hopeful sign for fans, but only time will tell what will happen to AC/DC after the loss of one the original members of the group, and a man that may have been responsible for much of the band’s success throughout a wildly successful career that spans more than four decades.

Set to step into Malcolm Young’s shoes is his nephew Stevie, who has already logged some stage time with AC/DC back in 1988 during the Blow Up Your Video tour. Malcolm was forced to spend some time away from the group at the time due to time he spent in rehab. He also filled in for Malcolm during recording sessions for Rock or Bust, so fans will get a taste for how well he will fit in as a full-fledged member of the group. Keeping it in the family always adds an element of authenticity under circumstances like this, and it is doubtful that ticket sales for the group’s shows will suffer.

It’s been six long years since AC/DC’s last album, Black Ice, which was released in 2008, although the wait between 2000’s Stiff Upper Lip and Black Ice was a bit longer, so at least fans can be thankful for that.

AC/DC has an impressive reputation to live up to with the release of Rock or Bust, considering that they have never failed to release an album that sold a million copies in the United States – the coveted Platinum status that every new band dreams they will achieve some day.

The release of Rock or Bust will be another watershed event in the history of AC/DC, but the group has endured serious setbacks in the past, and has come through stronger and more determined than ever.

As with all of the classic rock groups that remain intact today, there are only so many years for aging rockers to keep on producing new music and touring, but if the past is any indication, AC/DC has a good few years ahead of them and sold out venues packed to the rafters with dedicated fans will likely be there to welcome them as long as they still have that unmistakable sound that can mean only one thing: AC/DC is back in town!