Malcolm Young, AC/DC co-founder, dead at 64

Malcolm Young, a co-founding member and the longtime rhythm guitarist for Australian rock band AC/DC, died Saturday at the age of 64, his family said in a statement.

“It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of Malcolm Young, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. Malcolm had been suffering from Dementia for several years and passed away peacefully on Saturday with his family by his bedside,” the statement said.

“Renowned for his musical prowess, Malcolm was a songwriter, guitarist, performer, producer and visionary who inspired many. From the outset he knew what he wanted to achieve and, along with his younger brother, took to the world stage giving their all at every show. Nothing less would do for their fans.”

Young was born in Glasgow in 1953 and immigrated to Australia as a child. He formed AC/DC in 1973 with his younger brother, lead guitarist Angus Young, and the band released its debut album, “High Voltage,” two years later.

AC/DC soon found success in Australia and abroad, and the band released another half-dozen albums by the decade’s end before the group’s original vocalist, Bon Scott, died in 1980. He was replaced the same year by Brian Johnson, and the group’s next record, “Back In Black,” ultimately sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, making it the second-best selling album of all time.

The group remained active into the 21st century, but Mr. Young retired after being diagnosed with dementia in 2014 and was replaced by his nephew, Stevie Young. Mr. Johnson left the group in early 2016 over hearing issues, and the band’s longtime bassist, Cliff Williams, retired a few months later.

“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,” the band’s lead guitarist said in a statement posted on AC/DC’s official Facebook page. “He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever. Malcolm, job well done.”

Mr. Young is survived by his wife Linda and two children. The guitarists’ older brother, longtime AC/DC collaborator George Young, died last month at the age of 70.