AC/DC Vocalist Brian Johnson Wants To Name Band's New Album 'Man Down' In Honor Of Hospitalized Founding Guitarist Malcolm Young

AC/DC finished their new album and their singer, Brian Johnson, wants to name it "Man Down" as a tribute to their founding guitarist, Malcolm Young.

Brian Johnson said AC/DC stands with Malcolm Young as he battles major health setbacks that put him in the hospital.

Giving an unofficial Malcolm Young health update, Brian Johnson told the media "He's in hospital, but he's a fighter. We've got our fingers crossed he'll get strong again."

After ripping through sessions in Vancouver, AC/DC just finished up studio work on their follow up to 2008′s "Black Ice." Brian Johnson told Classic Rock Magazine it was tough getting into the studio without Malcolm Young.

"We're done - I'm very excited and we've got some great songs," Johnson said.

Young founded AC/DC with his brother Angus in 1973. Reports broke in April that he suffered a stroke. The band kept the recordings a family affair, pulling in Malcolm's nephew Stevie Young to strum in Malcolm Young's place.

"Stevie, Malcolm's nephew, was magnificent, but when you're recording with this thing hanging over you and your work mate isn't well, it's difficult. But I'm sure he was rooting for us. He's such a strong man. He's a small guy but he's very strong. He's proud and he's very private so we can't say too much," Johnson said.

Johnson also revealed "I wanted to call the album Man Down. But it's a bit negative and it was probably just straight from the heart. I like that."

Brian Johnson recently given an honorary doctorate by Northumbria University in Newcastle, England.

Brian Johnson replaced Bon Scott, AC/DC's original lead singer who died on February 19, 1980. Scott died of "acute alcohol poisoning" after partying all night at the Music Machine club in London. Brian Johnson joined for AC/DC's Back in Black album.

Earlier this year, it was rumored that AC/DC was on the verge of breaking up over Young's health troubles.

AC/DC put a statement on their Facebook page at the time, saying "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 was put together in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. They moved to Australia from Scotland in 1963.