Malcolm Young has died aged 64

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AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young has passed away aged 64, following a difficult struggle with dementia, which was confirmed in 2014. Reports have stated that the Australian musician died peacefully on Saturday.  Malcolm Young was a foundational element to the history of AC/DC – a rock and roll band who has sold over 200 million records worldwide since its inception in 1973. The performer was behind much of the writing of the bands material, which allowed them to evolve into one of the most popular groups in rock and roll history. Some of AC/DC’s most famous songs include ‘Highway to Hell’ and ‘Back in Black’.

The efficiency and catchiness of Young’s guitar riffs became legendary and inspired an array of future artists, from Guns N’ Roses’ Izzy Stradlin to Metallica’s James Hetfield.  Unfortunately, as his dementia condition worsened, the musician became increasingly confused and forgetful of riffs to songs he used to know so well, like ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’. This memory lapse shows how serious of a disease dementia is and how it can completely strip someone of their creative core if given time to worsen.

A statement that was released shortly after his death, read that “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.” Malcolm’s strength lay in his talent and not in his showboating or charismatic performances. He often was not the main feature of the bands live shows, as his younger brother, Angus was, who regularly dressed as a schoolboy and paraded on stage like Chuck Berry. In reaction to the news, Angus remarked that “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.” George Young, Malcolm’s elder brother, who produced for AC/DC, also sadly passed away aged 70 last month.

Malcolm Young will be remembered for his formidable guitar riffs, potent songwriter capacity and as a producer who had a fierce musical prowess which has inspired many.

Article by Yohannes Lowe.

George Millington
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