How Did Malcolm Young, AC/DC Guitarist, Die

Malcolm Young, who co-founded Australian rock legends in 1973 with brother Angus Young, died on November 18 at the age of 64. Young had been suffering with dementia for the past three years, an illness that forced his retirement from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band, AC/DC.

Though his younger brother Angus was the more visible of the brothers, Malcolm was described as the driving force and the leader of the band. In 2014, he stated that despite his retirement from the band, AC/DC was determined to continue making music with his blessing. As the rhythm guitarist, he was responsible for the broad sweep of the band’s sound, developing many of their guitar riffs and co-writing the band’s material with Angus. He’s survived by his wife, 2 kids and 3 grandchildren.

The band announced his passing on its website with a plainspoken simplicity that reflected their music:
“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.”

Angus Young, in a separate statement on Facebook added that Malcolm 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.”

Young left AC/DC in 2014 after the band said he had been struggling with an undisclosed ailment, later revealed to be dementia. Malcolm was replaced in 2014 by his nephew Stevie Young … this after his health began to deteriorate.

In subsequent interviews, Angus stated that his brother had been experiencing lapses in memory and concentration. At the conclusion of the Black Ice World Tour, Malcolm was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was treated at an early stage, so surgery was successful and the cancer was removed. He also had an unspecified heart problem and wore a pacemaker.

Young died on 18 November 2017 at the age of 64, at Lulworth House in Elizabeth Bay. His funeral was held at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney on 28 November. Young’s elder brother George Young died a few weeks before him, on 22 October 2017.

RIP Malcolm!

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