15 Feb OMG Confirmed: AC/DC In The Studio In Next May, New Album & Tour!
The word is out and it has been confirmed by multiple sources, some of which… direct (wink-a-blink-a).
I am so much in love it’s ridiculous.
Be well.
Fil!
Classic Rock Magazine Announcement (I am not basing myself on this – I got in touch with sources, but this gives us something to read, no? 😉 )
Guillotine
Posted at 01:28h, 16 AprilWow, really wasn’t prepared to hear that at all. One thing I read said he forgot how to play? That’s horrible. I can’t imagine how awful it must feel to not be able to play guitar after all those years. That’s torture. I really really hope he isn’t sick or at least recovers.
Spellbound
Posted at 23:18h, 15 AprilI wouldn’t get caught up in these rumors. It’s just a bunch of journalists eating up some shit rumor an anonymous tip gave a radios station. Disrespectful bastards are fucking speculating a bunch of bullshit, and are misleading everyone into thinking the band is retiring.
Supposedly, there’s going to be an announcement of sorts tomorrow. I doubt it’ll happen, but keep your eyes and ears out just in case.
Spellbound
Posted at 23:31h, 15 AprilNot to say “someone’s” been sick, as we’ve known this for well over 3 years, but the media is sensationalizing this to a gross extent.
sellen
Posted at 16:53h, 15 AprilA sad day!!
Love you Malcolm
AC-DC 4ever
coogans
Posted at 09:09h, 15 AprilThe worst news confirmed. I’m sure we’ve all heard the rumours this morning. Unfortunately I think they are true, I am friends with Ross Young on Facebook and he has made a comment on a post from James Morley that confirms the rumours, Malcolm is seriously ill. I’m you will all join me is wishing Malcolm and his family all the best and our thoughts are with them all.
Ant
Posted at 13:21h, 15 April+1 Hope Malcolm makes a full recovery!
SoloDallas
Posted at 13:25h, 15 AprilWas waiting behind shelter for confirmations, but what you say it’s pretty much it – if “he” mentions it, it must be true. I don’t pray, but here’s some intense thinking for Mal. I love you Malcolm, we all do here. Get well.
Ryley
Posted at 16:34h, 15 AprilThis really breaks my heart, i hope we hear some more news soon!
Chris Moiny
Posted at 18:56h, 15 AprilMal is hard as a rock, he’s proved it.
If he won’t give us a new album, he’ll stay with us a while more. Our rhythm God
We love ya Mal <3
Thundersnook
Posted at 20:56h, 15 AprilI also heard these rumor/news.
If this all becomes true I can’t explain how hard it is for me to get this in my head … Malcolm is and will always be my absolute Idol in the matter of music … He is THE symbol of my musical taste and the symbol of my youth in terms of music … If this all come true, I want to thank AC/DC for all their music and the opportunity to attend two of their live gigs …
They are the greatest! They will always be!
Spellbound
Posted at 23:30h, 15 AprilWhere? I can’t find the post.
bm229
Posted at 03:20h, 15 AprilBad news guys..this is all over the news here in Australia.
Another link says its Malcolm that’s sick.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/acdcs-40th-anniversary-tour-under-doubt-due-to-health-concerns/story-fni0b7je-1226884658411
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/acdc-to-split-report-20140415-36oc1.html
Tyler
Posted at 05:33h, 15 AprilIt doesn’t look good. If it’s true, what a sad way for it all to end 🙁
lapata19
Posted at 05:47h, 15 Aprilreally really sad rumor
30CalGunner
Posted at 17:49h, 16 MarchI personally would like them to have Lange and Platt back with them. At least Vanda and Young. I think the band had a pretty kick ass production during Powerage with Vanda and Young along with Highway to Hell and Back in Black with Mutt Lange. I don’t think any other albums can come close to those as far as their sound. The last few albums out were good but they just don’t have the punch like they had back in the day. And I would hope Angus uses his SVDS just like he did back in the day.
KyleSG
Posted at 23:52h, 08 MarchWell the problem is AC/DC is under contract with Sony music and they have one more album left on there contract so i don’t know if that effects who they can get to work on it on not.
dogeatdog
Posted at 20:01h, 02 MarchNo Mike Fraser,no Rubin,etc etc…no shiny fizzy compressed overly digitized thin guitar sounds sitting inside the vocal level please.
Just get Mal and Angus into a room and play them Dog Eat Dog or Overdose really loud to remind them of what real raw is.
And make that the sonic reference point for the new album.
Vanda & Young or Mutt…nobody else.
Spellbound
Posted at 20:15h, 03 MarchVanda & Young? They had SUL to redeem themselves for the mess production that BUYV was, but they still couldn’t get a great sound that they’re known for.
Mutt is the better choice.
SoloDallas
Posted at 20:18h, 03 MarchA G R E E D
sellen
Posted at 12:42h, 05 MarchI think Stiff Upper lip sounds pretty cool. Love to crank my hi-fi with songs like House of jazz- hold me back- can’t stand still and the intro to safe in New York is amazing
Spellbound
Posted at 20:39h, 05 MarchI like SUL, Malcolm sounds great on Meltdown. But overall it sounds flat. No power or “oomph”, you know?
sellen
Posted at 16:15h, 06 MarchCan see what you mean, but i do not think it sound flat with no power.
Again i like the album and the sound:)
Spellbound
Posted at 21:51h, 08 MarchTo each their own then. I have a feeling they’ll end it the way they started, with George and/or Harry involved in some way (if not producing entirely).
KyleSG
Posted at 23:52h, 08 MarchWell the problem is AC/DC is under contract with Sony music and they have one more album left on there contract so i don’t know if that effects who they can get to work on it on not.
currentpeak
Posted at 09:59h, 13 MarchTo set the record straight – SUL was produced just by George Young. So talking about “redeem themselves” is a bit misleading.
I don’t think BUYV was a mess production. Fly on the Wall? Sure, that one was a mess (Brian’s vocals are horrible soundwise).
I read one interview with an engineer of Miraval Studio (where BUYV was recorded) and he said that his colleague did rough mixes of BUYV songs (which he apparently still has in possession) after album was recorded, for reference. He claims that these quick mixes sound much better than the final album mix done by Tom Swift. I tend to believe that (and would love to hear those! :D)
And btw. I can’t see Vanda & Young (together) producing again. I think the last time they did something together was the last Flash and the Pan album in the early 90’s. George Young is long retired now (actually, he came out of retirement just to help his bros and produce SUL) and Harry Vanda runs his own studio in Australia.
And as somebody mentioned before, recording engineer position is also crucial in this case. And because it won’t be Tony Platt, Mark Opitz nor Mark Dearnley, but Mike Fraser engineering and mixing again don’t expect big changes…
AngusRudd1019
Posted at 09:28h, 14 MarchAgreeing with currentpeak here, Fraser and/or O Brien
Spellbound
Posted at 03:50h, 15 MarchGood point on SUL being George only – my mistake.
Gonna have to disagree for the most part. BUYV sounds awful all around. Bad guitar tone, weird reverby effect on Brian’s voice, drums sound terrible, bass is really audible and sounds good though. Fly just has that awful toilet bowl effect on Brian with no bass at all, aside from that it sounds kick ass to me. Regarding the interview – did he say if he did the mixing for Borrowed Time too?
Even if George is in retirement, I’m pretty sure Mal can just ring him up and ask if he wants to help out. Gets a good paycheck, has a hand in the production of their (most likely) last album… Don’t see why he wouldn’t. Fair enough on Vanda though.
currentpeak
Posted at 13:38h, 16 MarchBUYV sounds awful? Of course it is not Alberts’ sound, nor Mutt Lange production, but awful? I think we will both agree to disagree 🙂
Yes, the main problem of FOTW album are horrible vocals and they kill it all. Guitars are kick-ass, though (title song for instance, one of the most massive riffs the Young’s ever written).
I suppose he mixed all songs, which were recorded (I can’t understand why Down on the Borderline didn’t end up on the album – what a great song!). This is the excerpt I was talking about:
“For the record, he [Assistant Engineer Jean-Jacques Lemoine] did the rough mix of the record for everyone to keep a working copy (…) and, frankly, he did a much better job, in my opinion, the final mix.”
You can read the whole interview here at the great French AC/DC fansite H2ACDC (you might need to use a translator):
http://www.highwaytoacdc.com/index.php?zone=interviews/07miraval/index
Mate, do you really think that the guy, who wrote “Love is in the Air” song and a bunch of other international hits really needs money? A “good paycheck” would be the very last reason for George Young to do it. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to hear that he is handling the production again, but frankly, I don’t think so.
I recommend you to get hold of Jesse Fink’s awesome book “THE YOUNGS: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC” – an eye-opener of a book.
currentpeak
Posted at 13:40h, 16 March“(…) a much better job, in my opinion, THAN the final mix.”
Spellbound
Posted at 12:45h, 17 MarchThe drum and guitar sound is just so bland. Nothing in your face about it at all. It suits Meanstreak, but that’s honestly the only good thing I can say about how it sounds. Agree to disagree though. 🙂
Thanks for the link to that interview, will read later!
I’m not saying he’d go back just to make some extra money, I’m just saying he doesn’t really have a reason to turn it down if he was offered (out side of him not wanting to, fair play to him if so).
I heard the book wasn’t much different than the other books (Hell Ain’t… Maximum RnR etc.), just another take it. I haven’t read any of the books though to be honest. Does it really have much that we don’t already know?
currentpeak
Posted at 13:29h, 17 MarchIf there is only one book about AC/DC worth reading, then it is “The Youngs”.
Especially if you like and know Australian rock music scene – you are going to appreciate the book even more.
I really like the fact, that every party was offered to tell the story from their perspective. It is up to you, whom and what you are going to believe (and as usual, truth seems to lie somewhere in between). That book sets a record straight in many cases.
P.S.: “This Means War” is in my opinion one of the best songs they have never played live.
AngusRudd1019
Posted at 06:26h, 21 FebruaryIt’s going to be Fraser and O’Brien again.
KyleSG
Posted at 21:19h, 03 MarchYeah they need to get back to that raw old sound and use there old amps again like don’t get me wrong the newer ac/dc live sound is great and the amps sound good but in away it almost sounds a lot more cheesy if you get my point. Back in the day the sound seemed to be a little different from show to show which is a great thing and makes it more fun and exciting but now a days it seems to always sound the same live. Still the best band in the world though!!!!!!!!!!!!
AngusRudd1019
Posted at 22:01h, 03 MarchThey current live sound is waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy tooooo compressed and polished in my eyes. They need to back off the compressor’s and let the amps doing the talking.
KyleSG
Posted at 22:19h, 03 MarchVery true! They Need vintage amps not new marshall or wizards…..Not even 59 heads like on back in black as yes that is one of the best sound albums ever but still sounds more clear and not raw enough they need vintage 2203’s heads and THE Schaffer!!!!!!!!!
AngusRudd1019
Posted at 08:27h, 04 MarchAgreed. They should just go out there with their HTH gear, 2203’s and give Ang TSR and we have the sound back. Malcolm needs his growl back.
Dries
Posted at 10:28h, 04 Marchdamn, listen to circus krone concert video. That’s one of the greatest MY tones I’ve ever heard. He used the same setup the past tour from what I know, it’s just the live recordings are mixed much ‘lighter’.
AngusRudd1019
Posted at 05:16h, 05 MarchNo, I disagree. I would rather take the Blues, Booze, and Tattoos tone than Circus Krone.
IYWB (Circus Krone 2003): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyarlj457cw
Rocker (Blues, Booze, & Tattoos 1978): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhh5PjBeshE
KyleSG
Posted at 07:21h, 05 MarchYes that 78 show you posted there is one of the best AC/DC tones ever….Pretty much any tone from there live shows 77-79 where all killer
Spellbound
Posted at 20:56h, 07 MarchYou think Circus Krone sounds good? Listen to the audience bootleg of Berlin 2003, guitars sound really “wet” or saturated, nothing like Krone. Here, What’s Next to the Moon ROARS at Berlin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI2qPJvM0bg
Dries
Posted at 21:50h, 07 MarchHm don’t know, audience recordings can give you a bit of a wrong impression imo. I like the sound of good close miced sounds, then you really know it sounds kickass.
Spellbound
Posted at 21:50h, 08 MarchI think the mixing on Krone isn’t good to be honest. All the life is sucked out of the guitars. I know that an audience booteg can vary from a close-mic’d professional recording, but I don’t think that the gig sounded less lively pre-mixing. Same issue occurs (to a [somewhat] lesser extent] on SUL Live.
Tyler
Posted at 06:05h, 21 FebruaryPLEASE let Brian write the lyrics!
dnatronic
Posted at 05:06h, 21 FebruaryMutt Lange?
max1230
Posted at 01:33h, 20 FebruaryI would like to see them use somebody besides Mike Fraser. The guitars especially have suffered since he’s been twiddling the knobs. Tony Platt is prolly too much to hope for.
SoloDallas
Posted at 08:58h, 20 FebruaryFor how much I like everyone, I agree with you beyond description.
currentpeak
Posted at 10:46h, 20 FebruaryWell, even Mark Opitz mentioned in a recent interview, that he would love to work with them again, even if only engineering…
But this will stay our wishful hope. They are too old now to be willing to do some drastic changes, especially when they are comfortable with Mike Fraser and The Warehouse Studios.
But as I said before, I hope they will hire a producer who loves the Albert’s sound and we will get much more raw album, than the last one. George Young producing again would be a miracle.
SoloDallas
Posted at 11:17h, 20 FebruaryI’m grateful that you wrote this (and not I), Peter (laughs). This is what I think intimately as well. We know too well that coming of age we tend to get used to liking certain things only. And we try to stick with that. Warehouse studio (and its resident sound engineer, Mike Fraser) will be used again. And despite the fact that I really like the combination (and the Neve console that they use for tracking!), I hope as well for a slight change to bring back some of the old sparkle once again. Black Ice has been recorded with the same couple of microphones used in Highway To Hell, and this was an aware, conscious choice. I hope that some songs will have different takes of amps as well – not that they are my favourites in fact, but it would be so cool seeing them use the ol’ 2203s again for once, for example. Variance of microphones will be super cool as well. But the thing with AC/DC is that they really want the studio time to be short – and I understand that. It gets psychotic quickly in the studio (I used to own one). So much likely they will go for and stick to one formula and that’s that. But I am still plenty grateful for what we are about to get! And see: I can’t wait to see them live again in fact (and maybe this time, meet them personally too, if anyone will be so generous to introduce me?). This.
COD
Posted at 09:48h, 18 FebruaryStill waitin’ for the next episodes of BIB / FTATR / FOTS…
Ant
Posted at 14:01h, 17 FebruaryI do hope they give it one last go!
I know there getting on a bit but they have to put a final stamp on it…. i have never seen them live before and i will kick myself to the end of days if i don’t catch em this time round 🙁
still.. either way “to me” they are the greatest hard rock band to have ever shaken this earth and if they don’t go-ahead with a final tour/album then i can fully respect that…. it ain’t easy playing ACDC and when your almost at zimmer frame age then you just know it will be time to stop.
lautmaschine
Posted at 04:21h, 17 FebruaryGuitar sound was brutal on black ice, and I suspect they’ll be using the same studio for the next album. Don’t know anything about producer / engineers yet, but here’s hoping they get back to a more natural sound.
currentpeak
Posted at 18:44h, 17 FebruaryMate, you bet your life that they will use The Warehouse Studio with Mike Fraser engineering and mixing the album (he is an in-house engineer at the Warehouse) 🙂
d1m1
Posted at 16:39h, 16 Februaryoh yes it would be so cool if he recods with the tsr. well he maybe (propably?) dont has a working schaffer vega and the tsr is the only way to get his signature tone.
is the 001 overpowered? and if do you think about to send hi a second one or to ask him to fix the 001?
KyleSG
Posted at 18:43h, 16 FebruaryThat’s a good question is the angus #1 unit an overpowered one? Were the ones Fil took to namm have the problem as well?
banane
Posted at 18:55h, 16 FebruaryYes, unit #001 was an overpowered unit too, all first 25 units are. But it’s already reworked and will go to Fil.
The regular Gold Tag units Fil had at the NAMM were overpowered units too, but Fil didn’t demo them. He used the plexi versions we built for demonstrations 🙂
By the way, the first 6 reworked units will go out tomorrow.
Ant
Posted at 13:38h, 17 FebruaryWhy not send one to Mal? he is the head of the band and might take shine to the renewed sound? 😉
Aaron
Posted at 15:28h, 16 FebruaryThis is amazing!! I wonder where/when we can expect tour dates.
ohigg84
Posted at 14:23h, 16 FebruaryI’m sure with Angus’ guitar tech having seen Fil’s TSR, who knows, Angus might use it.. Would be so cool!!
KyleSG
Posted at 02:32h, 16 FebruaryWell there going to record back in Vancouver Canada again at the same place they did black ice so maybe it’s same producer again. Angus better record the solo’s with the schaffer lol!
currentpeak
Posted at 10:16h, 16 FebruaryThey have recorded all albums since The Razors Edge in Vancouver (bar Ballbreaker) and with Mike Fraser engineering them.
I hope not, Black Ice had that American, polished production. And while it was not bad at all, I would prefer a more raw, Albert’s sound.
We will see 🙂
Yeah, it would be exciting for sure, if he decided to use The Schaffer Replica.
banane
Posted at 11:16h, 16 FebruaryAngus using the TSR on an album would be cool, yes 🙂 But we still have no whatsoever indication yet if he even know it exists at all.
banane
Posted at 11:21h, 16 FebruaryBut of course we’re still dreaming… 🙂
headwhop26
Posted at 21:16h, 16 FebruaryIm with you there, I’d like something a little bit dirtier than Black Ice, something a little less processed.
Im sure I’ll love it no matter what though. Im brainwashed enough that they can do no wrong 😀
currentpeak
Posted at 22:36h, 15 February😉 Not too hard to guess who. Great to hear! I wonder which producer will they hire this time.
I would love “back to basics” with George Young again, but that is only my wish…