Hell Of A Day On The “Highway To Hell!” AC/DC’s Brian Johnson receives honorary degree, announces new album

AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson (Photo: courtesy of http://www.mirror.co.uk)

They say that good things happen to good people. Well, Brian Johnson is good people and Karma has officially recognized this fact.

The AC/DC frontman has kept his promise to fans that the hard-rocking group would continue making music, even with founding member Malcolm Young sidelined due to health issues. According to a recent Music Feeds article, the Aussie rocker has stated that the band’s new album isn’t merely in progress; it’s finished! Johnson’s karmic reward? An honorary doctorate from the University of Northumbria.

The university’s website states that, “The recipients of honorary degrees are nominated by the University’s staff for their achievements, their links to the University – and for their sheer inspirational qualities.” Johnson was selected as one of this year’s recipients and is due to receive the honor today (July 9th).

While the title of the new album is yet unknown (though “Man Down” was a possibility as an homage to Malcolm Young’s continuing health issues), we do know, according to Blabbermouth.net, that it’s due out later this year.

No Rest For The Wicked! AC/DC stamps out retirement speculations

AC/DC’s Brian Johnson and Angus Young doing what they do best (photo: blogs.app.com)

In 1973 one of the most prolific and beloved bands in rock and roll history was formed. Forty years and 14 studio albums later, AC/DC is still going strong and, thankfully, putting an end to speculation that the band is ready to retire.

While it has been confirmed that rhythm guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is stepping aside due to serious health issues (our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family), the band has released a statement on its website confirming that their days of driving the bus along the “Highway To Hell” are not yet at an end:

“After forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health. Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support.

“In light of this news, AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family’s privacy be respected during this time. The band will continue to make music.”

We wish all the best to Malcolm Young and his family (photo: flickr.com)

The “continue to make music” bit has fans excited over the thought of not only more live performances, but maybe even the possibility of a new album. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, frontman Brian Johnson stated, “We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver. We’re going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk, and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas. If anything happens, we’ll record it.”

On a personal note, I’ve been an AC/DC fan since junior high school. For me nothing will ever rival their Highway To Hell (1979) and Back In Black (1980) albums. When I heard the rumors of Malcolm’s illness and the possibility of the band’s demise my heart dropped. Now, after learning that Brian and the boys are pushing forward I have no doubt that this is what Malcolm wants and my fingers are crossed that they’ve got one more good album left in them.