By JOHN DALY
Malcolm Young, prolific guitarist and co-founder of the Australian hard rock band AC/DC, has died at age 64.
Considered by many to be one of the most influential musicians of the hard rock genre, Young laid the foundation for many bands of today. AC/DC has been a hard rock favorite since Malcolm and his brother Angus Young founded the band in 1973.
Young had been battling dementia for the last three years.
On the ACDC.com website a statement read “It is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young.”
AC/DC had been winning over a younger audience, but is a boomer band known for hits “Highway to Hell,” “Thunderstruck” and “Back in Black.”
Malcolm Young was born in Glasgow on Jan. 6, 1953. He would have been 65 this January. Angus Young is the lead guitarist for the band. Older brother, producer George Young, died in October.
Recording Academy Statement
The Recording Academy issued a statement:
“Malcolm Young was one of the most important rhythm guitarists in the history of hard rock. As the co-founder and imaginitive force behind AC/DC, Young created some of the most striking riffs that served as the backbone of the group’s array of hit songs such as ‘Highway To Hell,’ ‘You Shook Me All Night Long,’ and ‘Back In Black.’
“Young will be dearly missed, but remembered for his passion, pride, and unwavering dedication to his musical craft,” the Recording Academy statement said.
Young earned seven GRAMMY nominations throughout his career and was awarded the Best Hard Rock Performance GRAMMY for ACDC’s “War Machine” for 2009.
Esteban Sotelo put together a tribute video: