AC/DC rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young will reportedly not be able to perform with the band again due to an unspecified serious illness, according to a friend and fellow musician.

Speaking to ABC Radio (as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald), Choirboys singer Mark Gable, who reportedly has been friends with Malcolm and his bandmate and brother Angus for years, shared the bad news.

“That is true, Malcolm is sick… from what I understand, and it’s even been confirmed in part by his son Ross (Young)… 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.”

Last night, Australian news radio station 3AW reported that AC/DC would “never perform or record again” as the result of an unspecified sick band member.

As we’ve cautioned throughout the past 24 hours as more rumors and reports on this situation have emerged — it’s important to consider that nobody from the band, nor any of their representatives, have confirmed or commented on any of these reports.

In fact, Billboard magazine quotes AC/DC “insiders” as insisting that there is no truth to these stories.