Fans are wondering if AC/DC will retire after their 2024 tour. The legendary band has been around for decades, churning out hits and touring the globe, and even after all these years, they still haven’t officially announced any plans to call it quits. However, some band members inching closer to 80 and the idea of retirement has created a buzz.
The stubborn drive of AC/DC
Calling AC/DC “stubborn” might not capture the full picture. However, the band is fiercely dedicated to making music and touring. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, including the tragic loss of Malcolm Young and Brian Johnson’s hearing issues, the band has always found a way to bounce back.
Angus Young himself has stated that that he and Malcolm had enough riffs for several more albums even after the release of PWR/UP, suggesting that the creative well is far from dry. Thereby, another album is entirely possible.
Another AC/DC album?
The band has remained incredibly secretive about their plans, but fans know that they recorded PWR/UP between August 2018 and early 2019.
Pictures taken in Vancouver at the time show the band hard at work in the studio. The album’s release was pushed back due to a combination of factors, including working on Brian Johnson’s in-ear audio monitoring system, and, of course, the global pandemic that threw a wrench into everyone’s plans.
If there’s another album on the horizon, it might not include everyone from the current lineup. Cliff Williams dropped hints at retiring from touring, though he could still be involved in studio work.
Drumming duties in the studio might fall to Matt Laug or Chris Slade, especially considering Phil Rudd’s legal issues, which make it difficult for him to tour internationally. The recent sale of Rudd’s personal items, including his drum kits, further suggests he might not be returning to the studio.
Even if a new album is in the cards, touring is another story. Promoters have reportedly given AC/DC an open offer to tour for another two or three summers if they choose to. However, Brian Johnson will be pushing 80, making it unlikely he’ll be hitting the road again.
Pandemic disruption
The gap between PWR/UP and the 2024 tour can largely be blamed on the pandemic that halted plans. The pandemic delayed the album’s release and also halted any touring plans the band. AC/DC is back on the road but many are wondering if this is the last time we’ll see the legendary band on stage.
Is This the End?
The PWR/UP tour might indeed turn into AC/DC’s swan song. They’ve surprised the fans before, but with the age of the band members and the challenges they’ve faced, it wouldn’t be shocking if they decided to make this tour their last outing.
