Malcolm Young, one of the founding members of legendary Australian rockers AC/DC, has retired due to health issues but the band will press ahead with a world tour next year, they announced Thursday.
The high-voltage group, one of the biggest grossing bands of all time, was founded by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young in Sydney in 1973, and has gone on to sell more than 200 million albums.
In announcing a new record "Rock or Bust", they said that guitarist Young, 61, would not be returning to the lineup after he took a break earlier this year due to unspecified ill health.
"Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm's condition, he will not be returning to the band," they said on their website.
"AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of 'Rock or Bust' in 2015. Stevie Young, nephew of founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, plays rhythm guitar on 'Rock or Bust' and will accompany the band on tour."
The new album will be released on December 2.