AC/DC back in black for big bro

AC/DC’S Malcolm Young is being remembered as one of rock’s most influential but unsung rhythm guitarists.

Young died on Saturday aged 64, three years after leaving AC/DC to receive treatment for dementia.

The disease robbed Young his memory of the riffs he and younger brother Angus wrote that led AC/DC to sell more than 200 million albums, including 50 million copies alone for 1980s Back in Black.

Young’s family said he had “been suffering from dementia for several years and passed away peacefully on Saturday with his family by his bedside”.

His death comes less than a month after that of elder brother George, a founding member of the Easybeats and producer of AC/DC’s early material.

A band statement said Malcolm was “the driving force” behind AC/DC.

“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,” it said.

“He took great pride in all that he endeavoured. His loyalty to the fans was unsurpassed.”

Angus said: “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.”

Molly Meldrum, who met the band in Countdown, hailed Young a genius.

“If AC/DC was a car, Malcolm was driving it,” Meldrum said. “He was always so ambitious. He and Angus kept that band going. Malcolm was the rock, even after the death of Bon Scott.

“Even after they’d become the most successful Australian bands of all time Malcolm was still humble.”

AC/DC now has only one original member, Angus Young. Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose filled in as singer after a surprise parting with Johnson.

Malcolm did not play on the 2014 album Rock or Bust, but is credited for co-writing each song, from riffs found in the AC/DC vaults.

He is survived by wife O’Linda, children Cara and Ross, and three grandkids.