Malcolm Young, guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC, died today at the age of 64. Young had been suffering with dementia for the past three years.
Eddie Van Halen posted the following on his Facebook today:
“It is a sad day in rock and roll. Malcolm Young was my friend and the heart and soul of AC/DC. 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, band mates and friends.”
Michael Anthony posted the following on his Facebook today:
I am saddened today to hear of the passing of Malcolm Young from AC/DC. They were by far the hardest rocking band Van Halen ever played with! I remember all of us rocking to their Powerage album every day on the bus on our first European tour!! My condolences go out to his brother Angus and the rest of the Young family.
AC/DC wrote a tribute to Malcolm on Facebook:
“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.”
Angus Young 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.”
The Young brothers lost their older brother George Young, the Easybeats guitarist and AC/DC’s longtime producer, in October at the age of 70.
Edward Van Halen has said AC/DC’s Powerage remains one of his favorite albums– even stating it was his all-time favorite on at least one occasion. And today Michael shared a fond memory, “I remember all of us rocking to their Powerage album every day on the bus on our first European tour!!”
Let’s CRANK UP this album today!