They've recorded 17 studio albums, performed on over 20 world tours and sold over 200 million records worldwide and now after over a 40-year career, legendary rock band AC/DC have acknowledged that retiring from the business may be on the cards in the near future. 

There has been recent speculation that the Sydney-founded act's current Rock Or Bust World Tour will be their last run, but speaking to The Morning Sun, frontman Brian Johnson refused to confirm or deny the rumours. 

"Y'know, retirement is like anything," Johnson said. 

"A good footballer, a good ice hockey player, they don’t want to retire, but unfortunately sometimes there’s a time when you have to call it quits. So it’s an ongoing thing with us; we never say no, and we never say never."

The boys have dealt with their fair share of controversy in recent times which has included the loss of guitarist Malcolm Young who retired from the band last September after being diagnosed with dementia, as well as former drummer Phil Rudd's arrest after who was found guilty for drug charges and threatening to kill. 

However, just under two weeks out from commencing the North American leg of their world tour, AC/DC have not let the off-stage dramas affect their performances. 

"The thing about the boys in AC/DC, you've got to remember, is we’re constantly surprised and amazed at how we keep the success going," Johnson explained. 

"We don't know what we're doing — I mean, we literally don’t know what we’re doing except what we’re doing is we just play 100 percent every night and give it everything we've got. If that's the secret of success, we'll pass it on."

Johnson said the key to the band's longevity is their willingness to never take what they do for granted. 

"How can you? Times change. You've just got to keep doing what you're doing, basically, and just hope they come back for more."

Meanwhile, the Rock Or Bust World Tour hits Australia this November — for more details, head to theGuide.