Photo: Wenn
AC/DC have revealed their new song 'Play Ball' ahead of their 41st studio album Rock Or Bust. Listen to it below.
Their first new material in six years, 'Play Ball' is available as a free download to those who pre-order the album now and is also on the band's Youtube. The track doesn't vary much from AC/DC's musical template, as it's the hard-drinking, late night carousing rock we know and love. It's clearly designed for stadiums, sporting or otherwise.
Listen to AC/DC 'Play Ball' below.
Rock Or Bust will be released on 1 December and will be the first in the band's history not to feature founding member Malcolm Young, who is suffering from dementia. Frontman Brian Johnson has said he considered calling the album Man Down in reference to Young's absence, "but it’s a bit negative and it was probably just straight from the heart. I like that."
A statement from the band issued regarding Rock Or Bust reads: "Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition, he will not be returning to the band. AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of ‘Rock or Bust’ in 2015. Stevie Young, nephew of founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, plays rhythm guitar on 'Rock or Bust' and will accompany the band on tour."
Back in April the band issued a statement stressing Young's ill health, "After 40 years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health. Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support. In light of this news, AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family’s privacy be respected during this time. The band will continue to make music."
Rock Or Bust follows Black Ice which sold nearly 8 million copies and debuted at number one in 31 countries. Drummer Phil Rudd recently told Triple M. “It was done in 10 days, and I’ve never played better.” Rudd's verdict on the new album? “I hope it’s as good as I remember when I came away from the studio. It’s pretty damn good.”
Below: See AC/DC rock the O2 to its core