Choirboys singer Mark Gable has stated that AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young is 'seriously' sick and may never perform again.

Rumours have been circulating in the past few days that the iconic rock group - famed for tracks like 'Back in Black' - will announce their retirement as a result of Young's apparent illness.

However, conflicting reports also emerged saying that AC/DC would still be working on the follow-up to 2008 album 'Black Ice' this year.

Speaking to ABC radio, Choirboys singer and friend of AC/DC Mark Gable said that guitarist Malcolm Young is in a bad way with illness, putting the band's future in doubt.

He said: "From what I understand, and it's even been confirmed in part by his son Ross, that it would appear Malcolm is unable to perform anymore. It's not just that he is unwell, it's that it is quite serious. It will constitute that he definitely won't be able to perform live. He will probably not be able to record."

Gable added: "There was speculation that they had this even tacit agreement that if no member currently was able to perform, AC/DC would cease. However Alex Young's son Stevie replaced Malcolm Young a few years back for a tour, and nobody knew the difference."

Malcolm Young, brother of lead guitarist Angus Young, is said to have had a stroke.

Update: AC/DC singer Brian Johnson has since told the Telegraph that the band still plan to meet up in May. He said:

"We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver. We're going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk, and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas. If anything happens, we'll record it.

"I wouldn't like to say anything either way about the future. I'm not ruling anything out. One of the boys has a debilitating illness, but I don't want to say too much about it. He is very proud and private, a wonderful chap. We've been pals for 35 years and I look up to him very much."

AC/DC added in a statement: "After forty 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."

Watch AC/DC perform live below: