Co-founder and guitarist of the legendary Australian rock outfit AC/DC, Malcolm Young, has died at 64.
For the past three years, Young had been living with dementia, an illness which forced him to retire from the band he founded with brother Angus in 1973.
“Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young,” AC/DC wrote in a statement.
A further statement from Young’s family said he died peacefully on Saturday with family by his side.
“Renowned for his musical prowess, Malcolm was a songwriter, guitarist, performer, producer and visionary who inspired many,” the statement said.
“From the outset, he knew what he wanted to achieve and, along with his younger brother, took to the world stage giving their all at every show. Nothing less would do for their fans.”
After forming AC/DC, the Young brothers would be credited as co-writers on every song the band recorded from their 1975 debut High Voltage through 2014’s Rock or Bust.
Malcolm Young last performed live with AC/DC when their tour for 2008’s Black Ice concluded in June 2010 with a concert in Bilbao, Spain.
So sad to learn of the passing of yet another friend, Malcolm Young. He will be sadly missed. God Bless @ACDC pic.twitter.com/HuEp3kCuyQ
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) November 18, 2017
It is a sad day in rock and roll. Malcolm Young was my friend and the heart and soul of AC/DC. I had some of the best times of my life with him on our 1984 European tour. He will be missed and my deepest condolences to his family, bandmates and friends.
— Eddie Van Halen (@eddievanhalen) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young. Sweet, quiet man. Made all his noise with his guitar. AC/DC night at my house, and loud. Rock and roll ain’t noise pollution.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) November 18, 2017
Heavy heart hearing of Malcolm Young’s passing.Not only did he co- found one of the greatest bands in the world he co wrote the songs that inspired many of us to wanna be in a band.Condolences to his whole family,band mates and fans. RIP bad ass.
— Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) November 18, 2017
“AC/DC became a part of Australian music at a time when we needed heroes,” Glenn A. Baker on the death of Malcolm Young. pic.twitter.com/iIp8U3DFDE
— ABC News (@abcnews) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young. Our songs generally take the piss, but we meant this one. Even though Angus is the guitarist everyone talks about, Malcolm Young was the engine room, the riff-writing legend and without him there’d be no AC/DC. Forever Malcolm Young. https://t.co/uyVReV8ZPv
— Frenzal Rhomb (@Frenzalofficial) November 18, 2017
Devastated to hear of Malcolm Young’s passing… For me personally, the GREATEST rhythm guitarist of ALL TIME. Thank you Malcolm for all of the spit and fire, passion, ferocity, gravitas, and for the eternal inspiration. – KU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) November 18, 2017
Our thoughts go out to Malcolm Young’s family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/iZayVHwvZF
— Recording Academy (@RecordingAcad) November 18, 2017
Malcolm is gone, and although his music lives on, there are no words to express this sadness. Bittersweet as it is, I’m happy he’s free from the dementia and in Heaven with Bon and his brother George. I owe so much to Malcolm Young… https://t.co/soxrFpQsmJ pic.twitter.com/YmUI6IH5sG
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) November 18, 2017
ARIA would like to pay its respects to the family, friends and fans of Malcolm Young, who has passed away aged 64.
A founding member of the legendary AC/DC, Malcolm was inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame. Malcolm Young, we salute you🤘🏻 pic.twitter.com/TJmkL2I5ew
— ARIA (@ARIA_Official) November 18, 2017
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