AC/DC postpones US tour with 'immediate' effect amid doctors' fears frontman Brian Johnson, 68, is on the brink of losing hearing

Rockers AC/DC have postponed 10 remaining shows on their 2016 US tour, amid fears frontman Brian Johnson is losing his hearing.

Although his exact condition is currently unknown, the Australian rock band released a statement explaining the seriousness of the 68-year-old's situation.

'AC/DC's lead singer, Brian Johnson, has been advised by doctors to stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss,' a statement on the band's official website said.

Uncertain times: Rockers AC/DC have postponed their US tour on doctors' orders amid fears frontman Brian Johnson, 68, is close to losing his hearing

Showman: He was joined on stage by fellow bandmates Angus Young and Cliff Williams in February in Houston, Texas

The British star's future with the band is now up in the air as they plan to go ahead with the ten rescheduled shows on the US leg of their Rock or Bust World Tour along with a guest vocalist.

'Tomorrow's show in Atlanta through Madison Square Garden in New York in early April will be made up later in the year, likely with a guest vocalist,' the statement said.

It's a blow for the veteran rockers who toured last year without founding member, guitarist Malcolm Young, 63, after he was diagnosed with dementia.

'He could risk total hearing loss': Although his exact condition is currently unknown, the Australian rock band released a statement explaining the seriousness of the 68-year-old's situation

Blow: The postponement is yet another blow for the legendary rock band, after guitarist Malcolm Young (R) was diagnosed with dementia

Malcolm announced his retirement from the band in late 2014 following his diagnoses amid concerns about his health.

AC/DC co-founder and Malcolm's younger brother, Angus, 60, opened up about his brother's illness explaining he had been showing early signs as far back as the band's Black Ice World Tour in 2008.

The lead guitarist said he had hoped Malcolm would show signs of recovery but unfortunately did not. 

Doing his thing: The British star is seen belting out his classic at Tacoma Dome in Washington last month

Oh dear: The British star's future with the band is up in the air as AC/DC plan to go ahead with the ten rescheduled shows on the US leg of their Rock or Bust World Tour along with a guest vocalist

Legendary: Brian was one of the founding members of the rock band

In ABC's 7:30 report Angus said he had realised their was something wrong with his brother when he became confused and disorganised during the song-writing process, which historically the pair has always shared. 

'Mal kept up right up until he couldn't do it no more,' Angus, 60, told the 7:30 report.

It was Malcolm who convinced the band to continue touring and making music, hiring Steve Young, 59, the pair's nephew, as his replacement.

Former rocker: It's a blow for the veteran rockers who toured last year without founding member, guitarist Malcolm Young (pictured), after he was diagnosed with dementia 

Retired: Malcolm, 63, was seen around Sydney late last year following his retirement from the band

'Mal kept up right up until he couldn't': His younger brother, Angus, opened up about his brother's battle explaining he'd been showing early signs as far back as the band's Black Ice World Tour in 2008

Family ties: The 60-year-old was recently seen looking tired as he signed autographs for fans outside his hotel in Perth, Western Australia

'It was a strange feeling because your work mate, you worked with for the last, for me 35 years wasn't there anymore,' added Brian.

It was then AC/DC stayed together and put out their next album - their first without Malcolm - entitled Rock Or Bust.

Following Young's diagnosis, the band also had to contend with drummer Phil Rudd's arrest in New Zealand.

Phil was sentenced to eight months' home detention after he pleaded guilty to charges of threatening to kill, and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

Legal case: Following Young's diagnosis, the band also had to contend with drummer Phil Rudd's arrest in New Zealand

Charged: The rocker was sentenced to eight months' home detention after he pleaded guilty to charges of threatening to kill, and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis

Part of his sentence: The Australian-born drummer was placed on alcohol restrictions, however ended up back in a New Zealand court soon afterwards charged with breaching the ban

Not a fan: Phil has been openly dismissive of his replacement Chris Slade (pictured centre) - who now tours worldwide AC/DC - saying, 'Chris Slade is a good drummer, but I've got no idea what he's doing up there'

As part of his sentence, the Australian-born drummer was placed on alcohol restrictions, however ended up back in a New Zealand court soon afterwards charged with breaching the ban.

At the time of his sentencing, Judge Thomas Ingram warned Phil he would be jailed if he was found with any traces of drugs or alcohol in his system.

Phil has been openly dismissive of his replacement Chris Slade, who now tours worldwide AC/DC, saying, 'Chris Slade is a good drummer, but I've got no idea what he's doing up there.'

'I've got nothing against Chris. He hasn't got a permanent job — I hope. I'm the man.'

Despite his ongoing legal drama, Phil told TV3's 3D program that he intended to 'get my job back, go back on the road, make a lot of money'.

Young guy: Malcolm, a founding member of AC/DC, was the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist 

Hot talent: Angus was best known as a co-founder, lead guitarist and songwriter

They've got soul: Here Brian and Angus seen doing their thing on stage at the Cow Palace in San Francisco on February 16, 1982

'I've never been fitter, I've never felt better, I've never been psychologically or physically in better shape my whole life,' the drummer said last year. 

Johnson took over frontman duties in 1980 after Bon Scott's sudden death. 

Scott died in London after a heavy night of drinking.

At this point, lead guitarist and founding member Angus Young is the last AC/DC original and now with Johnson's future in doubt, maybe the days of Australia's biggest rock band could be numbered.

History: Over the decades, AC/DC has seen a change in members 

Rockers: Drummer Simon Wright, Malcolm, Angus, bassist Cliff Williams and singer Brian seen backstage before a show at the Forum on October 18, 1985

Brian and Angus are two of the original - here seen performing live onstage in 2001