AC/DC, the legendary rock band known for their thunderous riffs and electrifying performances, has sold over 200 million albums worldwide and built a legacy as one of the greatest rock acts of all time.

Behind their raw power and relentless energy, however, lies a story filled with sacrifice, struggle, and secrets that few fans ever knew.

At the heart of this story is Malcolm Young, the band’s rhythm guitarist and the mastermind behind their iconic sound.

In his final years, Malcolm revealed truths that could forever change how we view the band’s history—and what it truly took to keep AC/DC alive.

 

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1953, Malcolm Young grew up in a tough, working-class family.

One of eight siblings, the Young family moved to Sydney, Australia, in 1963, seeking better opportunities.

Malcolm’s early life was marked by hardship, but music became his refuge.

Inspired by artists like Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly, Malcolm’s obsession with gritty, raw rock led him to form a band with his younger brother Angus.

Their shared vision was simple: strip rock down to its raw, unpolished core, delivering pure, gut-punching energy.

 

By 1973, Malcolm, just 20 years old, had assembled a band that would change rock history.

AC/DC was born, with Malcolm as the band’s architect—writing riffs that hit like sledgehammers and keeping the sound tight and uncompromising.

While Angus took the spotlight with his wild solos and energetic stage presence, Malcolm was the backbone, the brain behind their sound.

Their debut album, *High Voltage*, released in 1975, set the tone with rebellious anthems like “It’s a Long Way to the Top.

” Their follow-up, *Highway to Hell*, in 1979, cemented their status as global rock icons.

 

The band’s rise to fame was marked by tragedy.

In 1980, their charismatic frontman Bon Scott died of alcohol poisoning at age 33.

The loss devastated the band, but Malcolm and Angus Young decided to carry on, recruiting Brian Johnson as their new vocalist.

The result was *Back in Black*, an album that became the second-best-selling record of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide.

Tracks like “Hells Bells” and “You Shook Me All Night Long” became anthems, solidifying AC/DC’s place in rock history.

Despite their success, behind the scenes, Malcolm was battling personal demons.

His role as the band’s silent leader was demanding, and by the mid-1980s, cracks began to appear.

In 1988, Malcolm suddenly vanished from the band’s tour, with the official story citing personal issues.

But the truth was darker.

Malcolm was struggling with alcoholism—a problem that had already claimed Bon Scott and was now threatening Malcolm himself.

 

Malcolm Young’s battle with alcohol was a secret that haunted him for years.

In a 1992 interview, Malcolm admitted, “It caught right up to me and I lost the plot.

” His brother Angus confronted him, fearing he might meet the same tragic fate as Bon Scott.

Malcolm checked into rehab, and his nephew Stevie Young filled in during his absence.

He returned sober, and the band continued their success with *The Razors Edge* in 1990, featuring hits like “Thunderstruck.

” But sobriety didn’t erase the underlying issues.

 

Behind the scenes, Malcolm’s health and mental state continued to decline.

Fans and bandmates noticed signs of deterioration—memory lapses, concentration problems, and physical weakness.

By 2010, Malcolm was diagnosed with lung cancer, which he fought and ultimately beat.

Yet, a more insidious threat was on the horizon: dementia.

His health worsened, and by 2014, Malcolm had to step away from the band entirely.

His nephew Stevie Young replaced him, and Malcolm entered a nursing home, suffering from a complete loss of short-term memory.

 

Malcolm’s final years were marked by pain and sacrifice.

His health deteriorated rapidly, and he was forced to leave the band he had built with such dedication.

But even in his silence, Malcolm’s influence persisted.

In 2017, he passed away at age 64, leaving behind a legacy of riffs, discipline, and unyielding loyalty.

 

What many fans didn’t know until later was that Malcolm had confided in his brother Angus about the true cost of their success.

In a 2020 interview, Angus revealed Malcolm’s final wish: “Keep the band going.

Use my riffs, my ideas, but make it yours.

” This led to the 2020 release of *Power Up*, an album built entirely on Malcolm’s unused riffs and ideas.

Every song was credited to Malcolm Young, a testament to his enduring influence.

But Malcolm’s confession went deeper.

In a 2021 interview, Angus revealed that Malcolm had told him he sometimes had to “fake it”—not just in his guitar playing, but also in his persona.

Malcolm played the stoic, tough rhythm guitarist role not because it was easy, but because he believed it was necessary to protect the band’s image.

He did it for Angus, for the band, and for their fans.

 

Malcolm’s story is one of sacrifice.

His role in AC/DC was not just about guitar riffs; it was about maintaining the band’s identity and legacy.

Behind his quiet exterior was a man who endured addiction, illness, and mental decline—all to keep the band afloat.

He was the unseen hero, the architect of their sound, and the glue that held everything together.

His struggles highlight a darker side of rock stardom—the toll it takes on those who create the music.

Malcolm’s battle with alcoholism, cancer, and dementia was the hidden cost of his unwavering loyalty.

Despite his physical and mental decline, his influence remained, etched into every riff and every song.

 

Malcolm Young’s life and sacrifices remind us that behind every legendary band, there are stories of pain, resilience, and love.

His confession reveals that he was more than just the rhythm guitarist; he was the soul of AC/DC.

His decision to step back and “fake it” was not a betrayal but a testament to his love for the band and his willingness to endure personal suffering for their success.

Today, Malcolm’s legacy lives on in the music he helped create.

His riffs continue to inspire generations, and his story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind rock and roll’s most iconic legends.

As fans celebrate AC/DC’s timeless sound, they also honor Malcolm Young—the man who faked it all to keep the fire burning.

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