According to Topeka, Kansas rock radio station V100 , AC/DC will announce the details of its 2019-2020 world tour on Wednesday, July 17.
So far, there has been no corroboration from an official source about the timeline of a possible tour announcement, with the station adding on its web site: "Obviously, we're talking about the music biz here, [so] things could change. But, right now that's what we've been told."
Citing a "reliable source" that is "close with the AC/DC camp," V100 goes on to say that AC/DC 's upcoming tour will include longtime singer Brian Johnson , who was forced to leave the band mid-tour in 2016 due to a dangerous level of hearing loss. "It's been rumored for months now that he's been working with the band and we've been told those rumors are true," the station writes. " Brian has been working special in-ears made for his performances so that he can continue to perform without causing any more damage to his hearing than he already has."
Rumors of a new AC/DC record have been circulating for several months, ever since Johnson and drummer Phil Rudd , along with guitarists Angus Young and Stevie Young , were photographed outside Vancouver's Warehouse Studios . Based on the pictures, the assumption at the time was that AC/DC was in the midst of making — or at least planning — another album, with Rudd and Johnson both back in the lineup. Online reports have also indicated Angus Young will dedicate the new AC/DC album to his late brother.
Ever since AC/DC completed the tour cycle for "Rock Or Bust" three years ago — a turbulent trek that weathered the forced retirement and eventual death of co-founder Malcolm Young , plus the departures of 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.
Johnson was eventually replaced on the road by GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose , while Williams decided to retire at the end of the cycle.
Earlier this year, a photo surfaced of Williams and Johnson in Vancouver, fueling speculation that the bassist was back in AC/DC and taking part in the recording sessions for the new album.
