AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young dies

Malcolm Young in 2010. Photo: Pandemonium73/Creative Commons

Australian guitarist and songwriter passes away peacefully at home, at the age of 64, after a long battle with dementia

Australian guitarist and AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young has died aged 64 after a long battle with dementia. He died peacefully on Saturday with his family nearby, read a statement. Except for a brief absence in 1988, Young was with the hard rock band from its formation in 1973 until retiring in 2014 due to the dementia’s onset.

AC/DC became one of the most popular rock bands in history, releasing 17 studio albums, with Malcolm Young at the heart of the group’s songwriting team. With his brother Angus and singer Brian Johnson, he wrote all the tracks on their best-selling LP, Back In Black, which has sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide.

“Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young,” read the band’s website, confirming the news. “Malcolm, along with Angus, was the founder and creator of AC/DC. With enormous dedication and commitment he was the driving force behind the band.

“As a guitarist, songwriter and visionary he was a perfectionist and a unique man. He always stuck to his guns and did and said exactly what he wanted. He took great pride in all that he endeavored. His loyalty to the fans was unsurpassed.”

The statement continued: “As his brother it is hard to express in words what he has meant to me during my life, the bond we had was unique and very special. He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever. Malcolm, job well done.”

Young is survived by his wife Linda, children Cara and Ross, son-in-law Josh, three grandchildren, sister and brother.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.