AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young has ended days of speculation by confirming he is taking a break from the band because of ill health.
However AC/DC will continue to make music, the band said on its website.
"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," the statement said on Thursday.
"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."
Up until now the rock band had been silent about reports they were planning to announce their retirement because of Young's failing health.
Frontman Brian Johnson earlier silenced rumours of an impending split by saying the band still intended to hit the studio in May to record new material.
"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," Johnson told the UK Telegraph.
No details about Young's illness have been confirmed.
