A source close to AC/DC has told Rock Radio more about Brian Johnson’s plan to quit AC/DC, as reported by Classic Rock Magazine. The singer, who left Geordie to replace Bon Scott in 1980, would like to bow out because he’s struggling to to the job – and has other interests outside the band.

Johnson, touring the world in support of the Black Ice album, tells Classic Rock: “We were talking about the end of the tour and I said, ‘We’re finishing in May – and that’s me done.’ But Malcolm Young said, ‘What are you talking about? We’re not gonna let you retire!’”

The behatted frontman, 61, explains: “I love being in this band but the other lads are in their early 50s. I don’t want to look a prat if I push it too far. I don’t want people to say, ‘Poor old f’ker – the band’s carrying him!’

“They’re just the band rock band. Every time they kick in, you’re on again and you’re thinking, ‘This is ridiculous – I’m still grooving.’”

A long-time friend of the band has gone into more detail for Rock Radio. The source, who’s known the Aussie rockers since the early 1980s, says: “Brian’s said to me a few times: ‘I’m struggling’.

“Some nights are better than others but he knows he’s pushing his luck to keep going. He really wasn’t sure about doing this tour, and he certainly doesn’t like the idea of another one.”

Rock Radio understands AC/DC are committed to recording one more album, and hope to complete the job with Johnson on board. But if the singer decided not to go through with another tour, Angus and Malcolm Young will consider a replacement.

There's absolutely no animosity between the members, our source confirms. And it may turn out well for the veteran rockers – because they’d prefer to play smaller arenas in the future, rather than continuing on the stadium tour circuit. A change of singer might just drop the band’s interest to a level where they could play to 10-20,000 a night instead of 40-50,000.

But even if he decided to draw a line under his singing career, Johnson doesn’t plan on putting his feet up. He still wants to pursue his vintage car racing career, and is deeply interested in musical theatre. He’s made the odd cameo appearance as an actor and recently appeared on the BBC’s Top Gear show, finishing second-top in their Star In A Reasonably Priced Car racing feature.

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