AC/DC look set to hit the road and record a new album this year.

The veteran rock group's last studio effort came in the shape of 2008's 'Black Ice' and they last toured four years ago.

Some fans have grown somewhat frustrated by the band's lack of live action, but singer Brian Johnson told The Gater 98.7's Andy Preston that plans are afoot.

Speaking about a new record, he said: "Well, you'll be the first one to know. Really, because we've been denying anything, 'cause we weren't sure. But I think we'll be going into the studio in May in Vancouver. Which means, we should be getting ready."

Johnson 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. So, like I said, we'll have to go out, even though we're getting a bit long in the tooth. You know what?! It's been four years [since we last went out on the road], and I'm really looking forward to it."

AC/DC have released a total of 18 studio albums to date and they have birthed some of rock's most famous tunes, such as 'Back in Black' and 'Highway to Hell'.