Malcolm Young, the rhythm guitarist and founding member of AC/DC, was more than just a musician; he was the heartbeat and backbone of one of rock’s most iconic bands.

While his younger brother Angus often captured the spotlight with wild solos and electrifying stage presence, Malcolm’s steady, powerful rhythm guitar was the engine that drove AC/DC’s unforgettable sound.

This article explores the life, challenges, and enduring legacy of Malcolm Young—a true rock music icon whose influence resonates far beyond his guitar strings.

Malcolm Mitchell Young was born on January 6, 1953, in Glasgow, Scotland, into a large and hardworking family.

His father, William Young, was a man of many trades, from working in a rope factory to serving as a flight engine mechanic during World War II.

Life in Glasgow was tough, especially during the harsh winter of 1963 when snow piled up to eight feet.

Seeking better opportunities, the Young family made a life-changing decision to emigrate to Australia.

 

At just 10 years old, Malcolm, along with several siblings including his younger brother Angus, embarked on this journey.

The adjustment to their new home was challenging—they initially lived in cramped metal shelters at the Villawood migrant hostel before moving into a modest semi-detached house.

Despite the hardships, music became a constant companion and source of hope for the Young brothers.

 

Music ran deeply in the Young family.

Malcolm’s older brother George found success with the Australian band The Easybeats, inspiring Malcolm and Angus to pick up guitars.

Their household was filled with the sounds of instruments and the energy of practice sessions.

George, along with his friend Harry Vanda, played a pivotal role in shaping Malcolm’s early musical education.

 

Malcolm quickly developed a passion for rhythm guitar, favoring a raw, powerful sound that would later define AC/DC’s signature style.

Unlike many guitarists who sought flashy solos, Malcolm focused on creating a steady, driving rhythm that made the band’s music feel strong and unstoppable.

 

Before AC/DC, Malcolm and Angus played in various projects, including the Marcus Hook Roll Band, a side project led by George Young and Harry Vanda.

This collaboration allowed the brothers to hone their skills and experiment with rock sounds.

Malcolm also contributed guitar work to songs by other artists, showcasing his versatility and raw talent.

In 1973, Malcolm and Angus officially formed AC/DC, recruiting members Colin Burgess, Larry Van Kriedt, and Dave Evans.

The band’s name was inspired by the letters “AC/DC” on their sister’s sewing machine, symbolizing electricity and raw power—perfect for the band’s energetic style.

 

Their first single, “Can I Sit Next to You Girl?”, marked the beginning of a journey that would soon revolutionize rock music.

With Malcolm’s steady rhythm and Angus’s wild solos, AC/DC’s sound quickly took shape, characterized by its loud, powerful energy and relentless drive.

 

By the mid-1970s, AC/DC was gaining traction in Australia and beyond.

The band’s move to Melbourne in 1975 marked a turning point, leading to greater exposure and the development of classic hits like *Highway to Hell* and *Back in Black*.

Malcolm’s role as the quiet leader was crucial—he kept the band grounded and ensured their music stayed true to its roots.

 

In 1977, AC/DC toured with Black Sabbath, a milestone that brought them closer to international fame.

However, life on the road was not without tension.

Malcolm famously had a confrontation with Black Sabbath’s bassist, which has become part of rock lore.

 

Personnel changes also tested the band’s chemistry.

Bassist Mark Evans left in 1977 due to disagreements with Malcolm and Angus, replaced by Cliff Williams, who became a long-term member and a perfect complement to the Young brothers.

 

Despite the band’s success, Malcolm faced personal challenges.

In 1988, during the *Blow Up Your Video* tour, he stepped away to confront alcohol addiction.

His nephew, Stevie Young, filled in during Malcolm’s absence.

After a period of recovery, Malcolm returned to AC/DC, continuing to deliver the powerful rhythm guitar that defined the band’s sound.

Malcolm’s dedication to music was unwavering.

From 1973 until his last live performance in 2013, he toured relentlessly, contributing to AC/DC’s enduring legacy.

Yet, in later years, his health declined due to dementia, a disease that slowly robbed him of his memory and cognitive abilities.

 

Malcolm’s battle with dementia was a difficult chapter for him and his family.

Even as his condition worsened, he showed incredible determination, relearning songs and performing until he physically could no longer continue.

In 2014, he officially retired from the band, with Stevie Young stepping in once again to carry on the family tradition.

 

Malcolm also faced other health issues, including lung cancer and heart problems, but remained private about these struggles, focusing instead on his music and family.

He passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy that transcends his life.

Malcolm’s funeral at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney was a gathering of family, friends, and fans who celebrated the man who shaped rock music with his steady, unshakable rhythm.

 

Malcolm Young’s impact on rock music is profound.

His guitar style, influenced by 1950s rock and blues-based guitarists, was unique.

Rather than relying on heavy distortion, he played open chords through Marshall amplifiers set to low volume, creating a raw, powerful sound that became AC/DC’s hallmark.

 

His rhythm guitar work earned him recognition alongside other legendary rhythm guitarists like James Hetfield of Metallica and Rudolf Schenker of The Scorpions.

Bands and musicians across genres have cited Malcolm as a major influence, and numerous tributes have honored his contribution to music.

In 2017, Gretsch Guitars released a reissue of Malcolm’s iconic G6131MY Jet Firebird guitar, affectionately known as “The Beast,” allowing fans to own a piece of rock history.

 

Upon Malcolm’s passing, tributes poured in from some of rock and metal’s biggest names, including Eddie Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne, Lars Ulrich, Dave Mustaine, and members of Guns N’ Roses, Kiss, and Foo Fighters.

Many artists incorporated AC/DC songs into their performances as a tribute to Malcolm’s enduring influence.

 

These tributes celebrated not only Malcolm’s musicianship but also his role as the backbone of AC/DC and a guiding force in rock and roll history.

 

Malcolm, along with Angus, received numerous accolades for their songwriting and contributions to music.

Their songs like *Highway to Hell*, *It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)*, and *Rock and Roll Train* won multiple awards for being among the most played Australian works overseas.

 

Their continued recognition over the years underscores the lasting appeal and influence of the music they created.

Malcolm Young was the unsung hero of AC/DC—the steady rhythm that powered the band’s explosive sound and the quiet leader who kept the band true to its roots.

His life story is one of hard work, family loyalty, and unwavering passion for music.

 

Though he faced personal and health challenges, Malcolm’s dedication never wavered.

His legacy lives on in every AC/DC riff, every thunderous beat, and every fan inspired by the raw power of rock and roll.

 

Malcolm Young may have left the stage, but his music will continue to rock generations to come.

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