The Scots-born guitarist for rock giants AC/DC, Malcolm Young, has died, aged 64.
Described as the “driving force” behind the band, Young was responsible for many of the band guitar riffs, such as those on ‘Highway to Hell’, ‘Back in Black’, and ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’.
Young stepped down from the band in 2014 to receive treatment for dementia, and shortly afterwards he permanently retired.
He was replaced by his nephew Stevie on the band’s recent tour, who, like Malcolm and brother Angus, left Glasgow for Australia in 1963, when Malcolm Young was 10 years old.
Throughout the career of the Sydney-formed act, brothers Angus and Malcolm Young have been credited as co-writers on the band’s tracks, from 1975’s ‘High Voltage’ until their final album, ‘Rock or Bust’.
Eddie Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne are among the many rock icons to pay tribute to Young –
Van Halen has lamented on Twitter it was a “sad day in rock and roll”.
Along the other rock icons to pay tribute to Malcolm were Ozzy Ozbourne, who tweeted: “So sad to learn of the passing of yet another friend, Malcolm Young. He will be sadly missed. God Bless @ACDC,” the singer wrote on Twitter.
Eddie Van Halen also remembered the guitarist: “Malcolm Young was my friend and the heart and soul of AC/DC,” he said. “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.”
Elder brother George, a member of The Easybeats and AC/DC’s producer, died in October, aged 70.
Young is survived by wife Linda, and children Cara and Ross.
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