AC/DC confirm break over guitarist's 'ill health'

Rockers AC/DC - from left, Brian Johnson, Malcolm Young, Phil Rudd and Angus Young - are taking a break over Malcolm's 'ill health'. Photo/AP

Malcolm Young of AC/DC is taking a break from the stadium-busting hard rock band to focus on his health.

The announcement saying the 61-year-old guitarist is in "ill health" was posted on the band's Facebook page. No further details were provided.

The statement said: "Malcolm would like to thank the group's die-hard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support."

AC/DC includes vocalist Brian Johnson, drummer Phil Rudd, bassist Cliff Williams and guitarist Angus Young, Malcolm Young's brother.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers also said in the statement they "will continue to make music"

AC/DC's last studio album was 2008's Black Ice. They released a live disc in 2012.

AC/DC was formed by brothers Angus Young and his brother Malcolm , who migrated from Scotland to Sydney when they were children, in 1973.

For more than three decades the band has consistently performed at sold-out concerts across the globe.

One of the group's best-loved works is their successful and influential Back In Black album, which has sold in excess of 22 million copies in the US.

Late last year front man Brian Johnson said the band was gearing up to celebrate their 40th anniversary as a band with a new album and a world tour this year.

Johnson told DJ Andy Preston from the station that the band had been keeping a low profile of late because one member was unwell.

"One of our boys was pretty ill, so we didn't like to say anything," Johnson said.

"But I think we'll be going into the studio in May in Vancouver."

The singer added: "It's been 40 years of the band's existence, so I think we're gonna try to do 40 gigs, 40 shows, to thank the fans for their undying loyalty.

"I mean, honestly, our fans are just the best in the world, and we appreciate every one of them."

- AP with AAP