AC/DC rhythm guitarist, Malcolm Young has died on Saturday after a three – year long battle with dementia and lung cancer. He was sixty – four.
The Young family released a statement, describing him as a “beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother”.
The Scottish – born guitarist was in the original AC/DC lineup in 1973, along with his brother, Angus. his late brother, Easybeats’ member, George, as their producer.
AC/DC has been a major part of Australia’s rock music history. Since the release of their debut album, High Voltage in 1975, AC/DC took Australia, then the world by storm. To date, they have sold over 200 million albums.
The 1980 passing of lead singer, Bon Scott from alcohol poisining could have seen the end of the band. However, former Geordie singer, Brian Johnson took Bon Scott’s place later that year. It was then, they made, what’s arguably become one of the best selling albums in hard rock/ heavy metal, Back in Black.
Their success was far from over. In 1991, AC/DC released their twelth studio album, Razor’s Edge, which included Thunderstruck.
The past few years had been tough on the band. Drummer Phil Rudd faced charges of marijuana posession and making threats to kill.
There were fears about Brian Johnston when he was told that he’d have to quit touring becausecof the risk of hearing loss. Guns ‘N’ Roses, Axl Rose was his replacement. However, in August, Rolling Stone reported that due to evolving hearing technology, Johnston had his hearing maintained and will he able to perform again. He made a surprise appearance at the Reading Festival.
Since Young’s retirement, his nephew, Stephen Young has taken his place on guitar. Hopefully, with that, AC/DC can keep on rock for a few more years.
Malcolm survived alongside his wife, Linda, children, Cara and Ross, grandchildren and brother and sister.
Rock in peace, Malcolm.
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