Malcolm Young

Few men will ever define rock and roll in the way that Malcolm Young has.  The engine behind AC/DC is responsible for some of the most iconic riffs ever written and the news that has come out in the last few weeks about his retirement from the band, through illness, is one of the most devastating things I have heard as a rock fan.  The further confirmation that that illness was dementia and his apparent lose of memory, makes the story all the sadder, as rock will lose one of it’s surest guardians.

AC/DC are of course one of the biggest rock bands of all time, their riffs define generations and their live shows have wowed audiences all across the world.  For me, Highway to Hell was the album more than any other that confirmed my love of rock and roll.  While I adore bands like Led Zeppelin and Guns ‘N’ Roses, it is AC/DC who truly made me love this genre of music.  And, while Angus Young and Brian Johnson/Bon Scott were the public face at of the band, it was very much Malcolm who made them tick.  His thunderous riffs and incredible ability to write simple rock and roll songs that lasted, made AC/DC who they are.

The fact that Angus was the public face of the band, has long led to Malcolm being overshadowed by those that view AC/DC from the outside.  Even a quick look at their Wikipedia pages proves that.  Angus’s goes on forever, where as Malcolm’s basically just says he was part of AC/DC and then mentions his illness.  However, among other musicians, Malcolm has always had the respect he deserves.  The famously temperamental Dave Mustaine, described him as one of the best rhythm guitarists in the world, while Scott Ian of Anthrax has his face tattooed on his leg.  To those in the know, Malcolm was AC/DC.

With the announcement that AC/DC will continue with Angus and Malcolm’s nephew Stevie Young, who also replaced Malcolm back in 1988 when he was fighting alcohol abuse related issues, the rock world will at least get one more tour from the Australian rockers. A new album has also been announced, Rock or Bust, and it is true to say that the lack of Malcolm on stage will probably go unnoticed in a live environment.  He is as famous for standing at the back not saying a word, as his younger brother is for causing hell.  Yet, there is no denying there will be a hole in that band.  When most people think of rock and roll they think of excess and debauchery, but the truth is that in Malcolm Young you can see everything that rock and roll is.  That not giving a shit attitude and embracing of the simple things in life.  Without his presence, the rock world is a lesser place and I, as a fan, can only send the most fondest of thoughts towards him and his family.