NEW YORK – Considered “the” classic heavy metal band” that filled stadiums and other venues across the globe, Australian rockers AC/DC lost their guiding voice as guitarist Malcolm Young has died at 64. The band announced his passing on their Facebook page Saturday morning.
The band did not announce when or where Young died but said Young died peacefully with his family. He was diagnosed with dementia in 2014. Young formed the group with his brother, Angus.
Malcolm Young and Angus Young, AC/DC’s forceful riff-ripping guitarist, are brothers.
“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,” Angus Young said.
Rocker Ted Nugent posted his reaction on Facebook.
“Rest in peace Malcolm Young, thank you for the killer music that fortified and enriched our musical quality-of-life. AC/DC opened up for me on their first 2 US tours & I knew right away that the spirit of their music was a magical force to reckon with. Thank God we have their music forever. RIP my sonic blood-brother. RIP,” Nugent said.
AC/DC were remarkably consistent for over 40 years with its mix of driving hard rock and bluesy shuffles, selling more than 200 million albums, surviving the loss of its first singer and creating one of the greatest rock records ever in “Back in Black,” the world’s second best-selling album behind Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
Ryan Hedrick contributed to this article.
R.I.P. Malcolm you made my youth worth living. Thanks