Darryl Sterdan from 24 Hours spoke to AC/DC singer Brian Johnson about a number of topics including the band's new album, Black Ice, that streets in North America next week. Here are a few excerpts from the chat:

24 Hours: Why did the new album take eight years?

Johnson: "Well, after the last one, we did a tour, and then we did a few gigs in Germany with the Stones, and we did the SARS benefit in Toronto and so on, so we were playing a lot. Plus, we changed record companies, which took some time and some pushing and all kinds of nasty stuff . So that took our focus away. But really, I think the reason was that Mal and Angus really wanted something special, something fresh, and they weren’t going to be rushed. And I think they came up with it, me son. I think they did a cracking job. I was so happy when I heard these riff s. This was the most fun album I’ve done in about 15 years. It was just a hoot to do."

24 Hours: Aren’t you sick of carrying Angus around on your shoulders? How far have you run over the years with his sweaty crotch on the back of your neck?

Johnson: "Me son, it’s got to be 50 miles. But at least he’s not getting any heavier."

24 Hours: Everybody says Malcolm is really the boss. Is that true? Is the band a democracy or a dictatorship?

Johnson: "It’s a democracy up to a certain point. And Malcolm wouldn’t thank me for saying he’s the man. But he is. Well, him and Angus. It’s their band. They started it. It’s their puppy. And they’ve made decisions through the years that have kept the band the way it is, kept it clean and pure. And there’s not many bands that have really not sold out in any way, shape or form."

24 Hours: For 30 years, Malcolm has been standing stage right of the drums, with Cliff on the left. If they switched sides, would it all fall apart?

Johnson: "Definitely. If Cliff and Mal changed sides, it would be the end of AC/ DC. They wouldn’t know what to do. The band would split. End of story."

24 Hours: What songs are you going to play on tour? There must be a dozen you have to do. But are there others you particularly want to do?

Johnson: "Well, we have to do Thunderstruck, Back in Black, You Shook Me All Night Long, TNT, Whole Lotta Rosie, Let There be Rock. And we’re gonna do five songs off the new album. As for older stuff, I’d like to do What’s Next to the Moon. I like Gone Shootin’ too. That would be a good one."

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