While contradictory reports continue to surface about a possible announcement regarding the retirement of rock legends AC/DC, a friend of the band has confirmed some of the health issues facing guitarist Malcolm Young.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Choirboys frontman Mark Gable says he believes the 61-year-old founding guitarist is unable to perform anymore and will probably never record again.
"That is true, Malcolm is sick," Gable told ABC Radio on Wednesday morning. "From what I understand, and it's even been confirmed in part by his son Ross (Young), that it would appear Malcolm is unable to perform anymore. It's not just that he is unwell, it's that it is quite serious. It will constitute that he definitely won't be able to perform live. He will probably not be able to record."
Although it is unclear what diagnosis the family has received on Young's condition, a source who knows the family has told Fairfax that Young's condition has deteriorated so badly his wife Linda and family were investigating full-time respite care for the once-powerhouse guitarist.
It is understood Young returned to Sydney with his family before Christmas and was having in-home care at his house in East Balmain. He is now said to be having difficulty remembering familiar faces and having increasing problems communicating.
"His memory loss is so bad it is consistent with Alzheimers or dementia although we do not know that is what it is. There has been talk about cancer too."
Australian music journalist Darryl Mason has reported that Young suffered a stroke three weeks ago that has left a blood clot on his brain; the event reportedly happened just prior to the band reuniting at the start of April to begin rehearsals ahead of new album recording sessions planned for Vancouver next month.
Read Mason’s report here.
The notoriously private band have not yet commented or issued a statement regarding the rumors surrounding their status.
See also:
REPORT: AC/DC to retire after guitarist suffers stroke
RUMOR: AC/DC retirement announcement pending
AC/DC guitar stolen from Vancouver area restaurant
AC/DC classic featured in preview of Disney’s Planes Fire & Rescue
Search AC/DC at hennemusic
