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AC/DC co-founder and guitarist Malcolm Young dies age 64

AC/DC co-founder and guitarist Malcolm Young - PA
AC/DC co-founder and guitarist Malcolm Young - PA

Malcolm Young, who co-founded the Australian hard rock band AC/DC with his younger brother Angus, has died aged 64.

The guitarist, who was described as the "driving force" behind the band, had been living with dementia for several years. The band said that he died peacefully on Saturday with his family by his bedside.

Older brother George Young, the Easybeats guitarist and AC/DC's longtime producer, also died just a few weeks ago, in October, at the age of 70.

AC/DC wrote in a statement:

"Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young. 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."

Angus Young added:

"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."

Malcolm Young, far left, with Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams from AC/DC - Credit: Yui Mok
Malcolm Young, far left, with Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams from AC/DC Credit: Yui Mok

Malcolm was born on 6 January, 1953, in Glasgow, before emigrating with his family to Australia in 1963, where the brothers formed AC/DC. Their older sister Margaret saw the initials AC/DC (which stands for "alternating current/direct current") on a sewing machine. The brothers thought this name summed up their energy.

The group became one of the most popular rock bands in history, with hits including Highway to Hell, Back in Black, and You Shook Me All Night Long.

Malcolm wrote the band's material and came up with many of their biggest guitar riffs. AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10, 2003.

In April 2014 it was announced that he would take a temporary leave of absence to receive treatment for dementia, before retiring permanently in September that same year.

He was replaced by his nephew Stevie for the band’s last tour promoting the 2014 album Rock or Bust.

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

Tributes from fellow musicians including Guns N' Roses frontman Slash, American singer-songwriter Ryan Adams and Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen. 

The greatest guitarists of all time, in pictures
The greatest guitarists of all time, in pictures