Although AC/DC singer Brian Johnson just revealed in a new interview that the band would not be breaking up, AC/DC have just released their first official statement addressing the reports that have surfaced over the past few days. The band states that guitarist Malcolm Young will be "taking a break from the band due to ill health," but also makes it clear that AC/DC will continue to make music.

For quite some time, it has been rumored that one member of AC/DC has been dealing with serious health issues. The band remained quiet about the matter, but since countless conflicting reports have been swirling around the Internet the past few days, AC/DC have finally confirmed the ill health of Malcolm Young.

It was reported on April 15 that Young had suffered a stroke, while a source reportedly close to the Young family claimed Malcolm could be dealing with Alzheimer's, dementia or even cancer. The source also says Malcolm Young has had difficulty communication and remembering "familiar faces."

AC/DC finally made Malcolm Young's ill health public in the following statement posted on the band's Facebook page:

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.

AC/DC are scheduled to start jamming possible new material in May. “We’re going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk, and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas," Brian Johnson tells the Telegraph. "If anything happens, we’ll record it.”

Stay tuned for AC/DC news and updates on the health of Malcolm Young as reports are made public.