Tributes to AC/DC founder
TRIBUTES have been paid to Glasgow-born guitarist and AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young, who has died aged 64 after a long battle with dementia.
Young, who will be remembered for his powerful rhythm guitar riffs, died peacefully on Saturday with his family nearby, a statement said.
The musician, who emigrated with his family to Australia when he was 10, formed AC/DC in 1973 with his brother and lead guitarist Angus.
The two were credited as co-writers on every song the band recorded between their 1975 debut High Voltage through to 2014’s Rock or Bust.
AC/DC are estimated to have sold more than 200 million records worldwide.
A statement by Angus Young on the AC/DC website praised Malcolm’s “enormous dedication and commitment”.
He added: “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.”
Another brother, George, who was also involved in the music business, died on October 22.
The family lived at 6 Skerryvore Road in the Cranhill district of Glasgow.
The ‘big freeze’ of 1963 was the worst winter on record in Scotland with snow eight feet deep.
A TV advertisement at the same time offered assisted travel for families for a different life in Australia.
Fifteen members of the Young family left Scotland in late June 1963 including fifth son, George and younger brothers, Malcolm and Angus.
Malcolm later described the family’s musical background: “All the males in our family played, Stevie, the oldest played accordion, Alex and John were the first couple to play guitar, and being older it was sort of passed down to George, then myself, then Angus.”