Malcolm Young was a founding member of the legendary hard rock band AC/DC, serving as their rhythm guitarist and songwriter.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Malcolm Young emigrated to Australia with his family in 1963, where he began his musical journey.
AC/DC was formed in 1973 when Malcolm was just 20 years old, and they quickly became one of the most influential rock bands in history.
Biography
Early Life
Malcolm Mitchell Young was born on January 6, 1953, in Glasgow, Scotland. He grew up in a musically inclined family, where all the males played instruments. His father, William Young, worked various jobs, including as a machine operator and postman, while his mother, Margaret, was a housewife. In 1963, seeking a better life, the Young family emigrated to Australia, where they initially stayed at the Villawood Migrant Hostel. It was here that Malcolm and his brothers, including Angus, began to explore their musical talents.
Career
In 1973, at the age of 20, Malcolm and Angus Young founded the iconic hard rock band AC/DC, with Malcolm taking on the role of rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and backing vocalist. The band quickly gained popularity, known for their electrifying performances and classic hits. Their first single, "Can I Sit Next To You Girl," marked the beginning of a legendary career. AC/DC's sound, influenced by rock and blues, resonated with fans worldwide, leading to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Despite a brief hiatus in 1988, Malcolm remained a vital part of the band until his retirement in 2014 due to health issues.
Personal Life and Illness
Malcolm Young was married to Linda and had two children, Ross and Cara. He faced personal challenges, including a battle with alcoholism in 1988 and a diagnosis of lung cancer in 2010, which he successfully overcame. However, in 2014, he was diagnosed with dementia, leading to his retirement from AC/DC. He passed away on November 18, 2017, at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy as one of rock's greatest rhythm guitarists.
Legacy
Malcolm Young's influence on rock music is profound, with many artists citing him as a key inspiration. In 2023, Rolling Stone recognized him as one of the 38th-best guitarists of all time. His contributions to AC/DC and the music industry continue to be celebrated, with tributes pouring in from fellow musicians following his passing. A memorial plaque honoring his legacy was unveiled in Kirriemuir, Scotland, alongside a statue of his bandmate Bon Scott, further cementing his place in rock history.
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Gallery
Groups
- Marcus Hook Roll Bandguitarcurrent
- Velvet Undergroundguitar · 1971–1972
- AC/DCbackground vocals, guitar, original · 1973–2014
Played together with
Angus YoungAC/DC · 1973 · guitar, original
Bon ScottAC/DC · 1974–1980 · lead vocals
Brian JohnsonAC/DC · 1980–2016 · lead vocals- Brian JohnsonAC/DC · 2018 · lead vocals
Chris SladeAC/DC · 1989–1994 · drums (drum set)- Chris SladeAC/DC · 2015–2016 · drums (drum set)
Cliff WilliamsAC/DC · 1977–2016 · background vocals, bass guitar- Cliff WilliamsAC/DC · 2018 · background vocals
- Colin BurgessAC/DC · 1973–1974 · drums (drum set), original
Dave EvansAC/DC · 1973–1974 · lead vocals, original- Larry van KriedtAC/DC · 1973–1974 · bass guitar, original
- Larry van KriedtAC/DC · 1975–1975 · bass guitar, original
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Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Malcolm Mitchell Young, Malcom Young, Young
Malcolm Mitchell Young was an Australian musician who was a founding member of the hard rock band AC/DC. Young was a rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and backing vocalist in the band. Except for a brief absence in 1988, Young was a member of AC/DC from its formation in 1973 until his retirement in 2014. As a member of AC/DC, Young was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2023, Rolling Stone named Young and his younger brother and fellow AC/DC member Angus Young the 38th-best guitarists of all time.
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Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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