Tributes have poured in after AC/DC confirmed the death of guitarist and founder Malcolm Young.
Glasgow-born Young, who founded the hard rock legends with his brother Angus in 1973, played with the band until 2014, when it was announced that he’d be retiring permanently due to the onset of dementia. He died at the age of 64.
Confirming their news on their website, AC/DC wrote:
“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.
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.”
A statement released by his family read:
“It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of Malcolm Young, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. Malcolm had been suffering from Dementia for several years and passed away peacefully on Saturday with his family by his bedside.
”Renowned for his musical prowess, Malcolm was a songwriter, guitarist, performer, producer and visionary who inspired many. 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.“
”While thanking all for their overwhelming support and heartfelt condolences, the family ask that you respect their privacy during this time of heartbreak and grief.”
The world of rock, music and entertainment has since spoken out to pay tribute:
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
No words…
…just tears.
Rest in Power Malcolm Young.@acdc pic.twitter.com/HdDrfVBkIc
— Disturbed (@Disturbed) November 18, 2017
GOD BLESS MALCOLM YOUNG – 1953 – 2O17 tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/kZxtl4uG6L
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) November 18, 2017
Sincerest condolences going out to the Young family today. Malcolm Young sadly passing too soon. Love ya Angus! pic.twitter.com/a3naL0CvdA
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) November 18, 2017
I’m sorry to hear about Malcolm Young, a fine player. pic.twitter.com/nxlxTrEZIS
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young. Like so many punk kids, AC-DC was the first metal band I was able to love. You brought us all together.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) 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.
— xxıS ıʞʞıN (@NikkiSixx) November 18, 2017
Rest in peace, Malcolm Young. Grateful for your incredible contributions. pic.twitter.com/SsJO1n5wH7
— Third Man Records (@thirdmanrecords) November 18, 2017
RIP to a legend, #malcolmyoung https://t.co/E0AasBuuNo pic.twitter.com/lclXMXi2QI
— Matthew kiichichaos Heafy (@matthewkheafy) November 18, 2017
RIP MALCOLM YOUNG. There would be no AC/DC without you . Undeniably one of the best rhythm players in rocknroll history and one of my favorite guitar players ever. ????
— Brody Dalle-Homme (@BrodyDHomme) November 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/MrGregDulli/status/931945473862021120
"I’m sad to hear of the passing of Malcolm Young. It was great to get the opportunity to open for AC/DC on the Highway To Hell tour & we certainly learned a thing or two. He was an incredible guitar player & the glue for that band onstage & off. RIP Malcolm, say hi to Bon." – Joe
— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) November 18, 2017
Sad news about Malcolm Young. Dementia is such a horrible disease. pic.twitter.com/hpjrlffVLX
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) November 18, 2017
R.I.P. Malcolm Young
— Joe Satriani (@chickenfootjoe) November 18, 2017
Rest in peace Malcolm Young x
— Biffy Clyro (@BiffyClyro) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young
Legend.
He was the founding member of AC/DC & the engine that roared behind the most powerful band in the world.
He wrote Back In Black, Highway to Hell, You Shook Me All Night Long, Highway to Hell, so many songs…
Travel safely to the stars, Malcolm.
Legend. pic.twitter.com/xfjylBbh4u— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) November 18, 2017
'Malcom Young the best right hand in game! RIP. Play AC/DC loud all day!' KJ @acdc
— stereophonics (@stereophonics) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young. Your guitar playing was a huge inspiration. Thanks for that #malcolmyoung #ACDC
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) 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
Wow…just got off stage here in Brisbane Australia (of all places) to the shocking news of Malcolm Young's passing. So sad…one of the great rhythm guitar players of all time. (James Hetfield and Scott Ian would be the 1st to say so themselves…) #RIPMalcolmYoung pic.twitter.com/qZXHIMpktF
— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young ? pic.twitter.com/7kHpkg6DK9
— Garbage (@garbage) November 18, 2017
The driving engine of AC/DC has died.A tragic end for a sometimes unsung icon. One of the true greats. RIP. https://t.co/cJe1Xr17IA
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) November 18, 2017
So sorry to hear about the passing of Malcolm Young. I grew up on AC⚡️DC and always admired his playing. RIP and Godspeed my friend? pic.twitter.com/f1ztks77xr
— MichaelSweet Stryper (@michaelhsweet) November 18, 2017
R.I.P Malcolm Young from the mighty @acdc – Absolutely horrible news. #ACDC #Legend
— ????? ?????? (@shawndrover) November 18, 2017
Malcolm Young, the Australian guitarist and AC/DC co-founder, has died aged 64.
Known for the powerhouse riffs and rhythm guitar that propelled the group to superstardom, Young had been suffering from dementia for at least the past three years. pic.twitter.com/ZoMIWWXg4h— Eric Alper ? (@ThatEricAlper) November 18, 2017
Malcolm Young always knew best… #nofrills #rhythmking #malcolmyoung #RIP pic.twitter.com/jI4fSCDuHk
— Phil Alexander (@PhilAlexanderUK) November 18, 2017
Malcolm Young RIP pic.twitter.com/7ju2GxskRo
— Jim Gellatly (@JimGellatly) November 18, 2017
More to follow…