AC/DC rocker Brian Johnson: 'I am not retiring'

AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson says he's not going anywhere. Photo / Mark Mitchell

AC/DC singer Brian Johnson says he is not retiring from music, despite hearing problems that forced him to bow out of the Australian rock band's current tour.

"I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring," he said in a statement on his official website.

Doctors warned Johnson in March that his partial hearing loss could worsen to total deafness if he continued to perform live rock concerts.

Johnson said he was "personally crushed" by the news, but remained hopeful his career would continue.

"My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that," he said.

"I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic. Only time will tell."

AC/DC announced Sunday that Guns n' Roses singer Axl Rose would replace Johnson for the remainder of its Rock or Bust World tour.

But there is no word from the camp whether that relationship will continue after the tour is over.

- AAP