FAREWELL TO A LEGEND
Music greats hail AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young
Tributes have been pouring in for AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young, who has died at the age of 64
JIMMY Barnes and Keith Urban said AC/DC’s Malcolm Young was the best rhythm guitarist they had ever seen, as tributes flowed in for the Australian music icon, who has died aged 64.
Young, who was known for the powerhouse riffs and rhythm guitar that propelled the Sydney group to world superstardom, died on Saturday after a three-year battle with dementia.
Australian rocker Barnes said Young was “the greatest rhythm guitar player ever” and extended his condolences to his brother and fellow AC/DC star Angus Young. “What a sad day for music,” Barnes posted on Twitter.
Australian country music star Urban said he was “devastated” by Young’s death. “For me personally, the GREATEST rhythm guitarist of ALL TIME,” Urban tweeted. “Thank you Malcolm for all of the spit and fire, passion, ferocity, gravitas, and for the eternal inspiration.”
Eddie Van Halen was among a large cohort of international rock greats who also paid homage to Young online.
“Malcolm Young was my friend and the heart and soul of AC/DC,” Van Halen 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.
Others who remembered Young were Black Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue co- founder Nikki Sixx, Rage Against the Machine axeman Tom Morello and KISS frontman Paul Stanley.
Young was replaced by his nephew Stevie for AC/DC’s last tour promoting the 2014 album Rock Or Bust, after dementia forced him into retirement. He died peacefully on Saturday with his family by his bedside, a statement from the family said.
Formed in Sydney in 1973 by Malcolm and Angus, AC/DC built a loyal Australian fan base on the back of relentless touring and albums such as Powerage and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.