Brian Johnson: Reports of AC/DC's death greatly exaggerated

AC/DC lead vocalist Brian Johnson (L) and Angus Young perform at the O2 Millennium Dome stadium in London April 14, 2009. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN ENTERTAINMENT) - RTXDZMR

AC/DC is back, and given past sartorial choices, likely wearing black.

Lead singer Brian Johnson shot down rumors that the band is retiring with an interview in the Daily Telegraph.

"We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver," he said. "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."

Earlier this week the Sydney Morning Herald reported that founding member, Malcolm Young, 61, was ill and could no longer perform. Australian radio personality Peter Ford also reportedly said “we may not hear them perform or record ever again,” and their record label had not been answering calls or emails.

Johnson would not confirm that Young was ill, but did allow that a band member was having health issues.

"One of the boys has a debilitating illness, but I don't want to say too much about it," Johnson said. "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 was formed by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young in 1973. Their hits included "Highway to Hell," "Back in Black," and "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)."