After months of speculation about a new album and a possible tour to follow, it is now official. AC/DC will embark on a world tour in October, possibly on the 31st, otherwise known as Halloween. The tour will be a long one -- lasting a total of 18 months. No details have yet been revealed about where exactly the tour will be taking them, although it is reported that the tour will begin in the U.S., and a total of 17 countries will host the group.

Although there still seems to be some uncertainty over the title of the new album, the name that has been  overheard most often is Black Ice, which some sources claim is the official chosen title. Despite any uncertainty, the album's first single, entitled "Runaway Train," is scheduled to be on the way to radio stations in August.

The group reportedly has plans to head for London early next month to record a new video for the single.

The new album, which is expected in October, will be the group's 15th studio album, and it is will be another exclusive deal for Wal-Mart. Something that has apparently worked out well recently for the Eagles,Journeyand others.

This is the first time since 2001 that AC/DC has embarked on a tour, and that certainly sounds like a recipe for sold old arenas chock full of fans who badly need a dose of AC/DC live.