'Visionary' AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young dies

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

The guitarist - described as a "visionary, a perfectionist and a unique man" - had been suffering from dementia for several years.

In a statement, AC/DC said: "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 endeavoured. His loyalty to the fans was unsurpassed."

Angus Young, Malcolm's brother and fellow AC/DC co-founder, added: "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."

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

Young died peacefully with his family by his side.

The family will open a memorial page next week for messages of condolence and asked people to donate to The Salvation Army instead of sending flowers.

Born in Scotland, one of eight children, Young and his family relocated to Australia when he was 10 and he grew up in Sydney.

Young founded the band with his brother in 1973 until retired in 2014 for health reasons.

They relocated to the UK in 1976, touring and recording heavily.

He was absent briefly during 1988 while he overcame alcoholism, though this was covered at the time with other reasons from the band.

The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

AC/DC recorded 17 studio albums and are perhaps best known for Highway To Hell, Back In Black and For Those About To Rock (We Salute You), released in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Despite Young's retirement in 2014, the band continued to tour and make new music. He was replaced by his nephew Stevie Young on the 2014 Rock Or Bust tour.

Young's older brother George, a founding member of The Easybeats, died three weeks ago at the age of 70.