AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson has said he is “not ruling anything out” amid claims the band are on the brink of retirement.

The singer spoke out about rumours surrounding the band’s future, following reports guitarist Malcolm Young is too ill to play live and is unlikely to record any new material.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph , Johnson said the band plan to meet up in Canada next month.

“We’re going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk, and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas,” he said. “If anything happens, we’ll record it.”

However, he admitted one of his bandmates has a “debilitating illness”, adding: “I wouldn’t like to say anything either way about the future. I’m not ruling anything out.”

He also said a tour marking the band’s 40th anniversary would be a “wonderful way to say bye”.

Johnson’s comments come after Mark Gable, the frontman of fellow Australian band Choirboys, revealed details about Young’s health.

“Malcolm is sick,” he told ABC Radio. “From what I understand, and it’s even been confirmed in part by his son Ross, it would appear Malcolm is unable to perform any more.

“It’s not just that he is unwell, it’s that it’s quite serious.

“He definitely won’t be able to perform live. He will probably not be able to record.”

AC/DC was formed by brothers Angus Young, now 59, and his brother Malcolm in 1973.

They moved from Scotland to Sydney, Australia, as children with their family.

The band have been a huge draw on the rock circuit for decades, creating anthems such as Highway To Hell and Back In Black and performing at sell-out concerts across the globe.

Their most recent release, 2008 chart-topper Black Ice, was only their third album since 1990.