Age-defying Australian rockers are approaching their 40th anniversary as a band but time shows no sign of slowing them down as they prepare to record a brand new album and undertake a world tour.

Speaking to radio station 98.7 the Gater over the weekend, lead singer Brian Johnson said: "We've been denying anything because 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."

Granted, these quotes are a little vague and Johnson could be referring to any number of things, if indeed he does mean that AC/DC are returning to the studio it would represent the band's first album since 2008's Black Ice.

Cliff Williams, the band's bass player, revealed to Rolling Stone several months ago that Angus and Malcolm Young were working on new songs but didn't give any indication of when they might be ready to record.

The chances that AC/DC might go on the road again were also increased when Johnson told 98.7 the Gater that the band are considering doing a forty date tour to celebrate their fortieth anniversary.

"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 the last tour] and I'm looking forward to it."