Canadian journalist Steve Newton claimed in an August 1 blog entry on The Georgia Straight web site that one of his "rock 'n' roll sources on the street" told him that he had a quick chat with a couple of members of AC/DC in downtown Vancouver earlier that day. One of the rockers that he allegedly talked to was Stevie Young, Angus Young's nephew, who took over the rhythm guitar spot in AC/DC from Angus's brother Malcolm in 2014 when Malcolm retired due to dementia. And the other AC/DC member Newton's source supposedly talked to was none other than Phil Rudd, the longtime AC/DC drummer who was replaced behind the kit by Chris Slade in 2015 for the band's 'Rock Or Bust' world tour after Rudd was arrested for drug possession and threatening to kill an employee.

Newton doubled down on his claim in an August 2 post on his Ear Of Newt web site, insisting that he had "complete faith" in his source who said he saw — and actually chatted with — the two rockers.

 

The assumption is that, since AC/DC recorded its last three albums at Vancouver's Warehouse Studio, it might be in the midst of making — or at least planning — another one, with Rudd back in the lineup on drums.

 

One person who says Newton's sources were "right" is Kyle Harcött, vocalist of the British Columbia metal band HEXRIPPER, who tweeted on August 3 that he "just saw Phil Rudd with my own eyes." He added: "Rudd & manager walked by me on way into studio. Rudd wouldn't acknowledge me, & the manager gave me a FUCK OFF look and waved a stern NO DICE in my face. Mission accomplished."

 

Ever since AC/DC completed the tour cycle for its 2014 album 'Rock Or Bust' nearly two years ago — a turbulent trek that weathered the forced retirement and eventual death of co-founder Malcolm Young, plus the departures of longtime singer Brian Johnson, Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams — fans have wondered whether sole remaining founding member Angus Young would keep the band going or decide it was time for AC/DC to pack it in.

 

Singer Angry Anderson of the veteran Australian act ROSE TATTOO said in an interview with The Rockpit that Angus told him he is at work on new AC/DC music and intends to have GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose — who took Johnson's place on the road in 2016 — sing on the LP.

 

Johnson was forced to leave AC/DC mid-tour due to a dangerous level of hearing loss, while Williams decided to retire at the end of the cycle.

 

Angus has not said publicly what he has planned for the future of AC/DC. Axl is still touring with GUNS N' ROSES but has indicated a willingness to work with AC/DC again.