Malcolm Young, one of the founding members and rhythm guitarist of the hard-core Australian rock band AC/DC, has died Saturday, November 18 in his sleep. He was 64.
Remembering Malcolm Young of AC/DC
Young, had dementia and it appeared that the condition deteriorated and caused his death. He could no longer tour with the band after the disease took its toll and now it took his life. His nephew, Stevie Young, replaced him in 2014 after his health began declining. The band says Malcolm died peacefully in his sleep, with his family members by his bedside.
Young, co-founded the group and AC/DC with his brother Angus in 1973. The band produced a string of famous hits, including "Hells Bells," "Highway To Hell," "Back In Black," "Thunderstruck," "Whole Lotta Rosie," "You Shook Me All Night Long," "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," and "For Those About To Rock...We Salute You." They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
Young leaves his wife, two kids, and three grandchildren and a brother and sister. His brother Angus, described him as a "visionary," "a one-of-a-kind perfectionist," and a "unique" man. The Young brothers lost their older brother George Young, who was AC/DC's longtime producer and the group, The Easybeats guitarist.
He was 70.
Guns N' Roses lead vocalist Axl Rose, replaced lead singer Brian Johnson, while the band toured in 2016. Johnson suffered a hearing loss and was told to quit touring with the band immediately. The future of the band hangs in the balance.It is highly doubtful that AC/DC will ever tour again. But if they decide to, it would be a tribute to Malcolm with new members filling in his and Brian's shoes.
It's the end of an era in their 40-year rock music history. Their music still lives on and even hits the airwaves of all rock music stations. They were considered to be the pioneers of arena rock.
In a statement from his family, they said that Malcolm gave it "his all" on stage. He was a crafted songwriter and musician and loved what he did and knew what he wanted to achieve.
He was an integral part of the band and blended very well with his brother's guitar riffs. The final album, Rock or Bust in 2014 was recorded without Malcolm. He was advised to leave the group due to his dementia.
Fans pay tribute to the rock legend
An official announcement from the band and an outpouring of sympathy and comments are on the band's official Facebook page.
We salute you, Malcolm! RIP.