Legendary rockers AC/DC, who later this month will launch their first world tour since 2001, have tapped Irish rock outfit The Answer [ tickets ] to hold down the opening slot.

The outing will be the inaugural US tour for The Answer, whose sound is often compared The Black Crowes and Free, according to a press release. The group has pulled opening duty in the past for The Rolling Stones, The Who and Aerosmith.

"It is an honor and privilege for The Answer to be offered the opportunity to support probably the greatest rock 'n' roll act on the planet," frontman Cormac Neeson said in a prepared statement. "We are incredibly humbled."

To coincide with the tour, The Answer will make its North American recorded debut with the Nov. 11 release of "Never Too Late," a 4-song EP and bonus DVD featuring previously unseen footage, live performance highlights and exclusive band interviews. The set includes the cut "Never Too Late," which originally appeared on the band's debut full-length album, "Rise," which was released abroad in 2004. The cut also appears on the soon-to-be-released "Guitar Hero: World Tour" video game, which hits stores Oct. 26.

As previously reported, AC/DC is hitting the road behind its forthcoming album "Black Ice," which is due out Oct. 20. As has become more commonplace in recent years, AC/DC has joined the ranks of artists who cut deals with exclusive retail distributors; "Black Ice" will be sold in the US exclusively at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, as well as via the band's website.

Produced by Brendan O'Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam) and mixed by the band's longtime audio engineer, Mike Fraser, "Black Ice" features the leadoff single "Rock 'N' Roll Train," which hit radio stations late last month and went to No. 1 at rock radio, according to Sony BMG. The cut is streaming at the band's website.