Category: Music | Title: Which Member of AC/DC Died | Tag: AC/DC | Meta Description: Facts about the AC/DC band member who died, cause of death, and timeline of events...
Which Member of AC/DC Died
Malcolm Young, the rhythm guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC, died on November 18, 2017, at the age of 64. His death was confirmed by the band and reported by major outlets including Forbes. He had been diagnosed with dementia and had been absent from the band's later tours before his passing.
The official cause of death was complications from chronic alcohol use, with reports noting that he had suffered from alcohol-related dementia in the years before his death. His family released a statement asking for privacy while confirming that he died peacefully in the presence of his loved ones.
Malcolm Young's Role in AC/DC
Malcolm Young was the rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist, and a founding member of AC/DC, forming the band in 1973 alongside his brother Angus Young. He was widely regarded as the band's musical architect, responsible for the tight, driving riffs that defined their hard rock sound.
He played on the majority of AC/DC's studio albums, including landmark records such as "Highway to Hell," "Back in Black," and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You." His absence from the band's later albums, starting with "Rock or Bust" in 2014, was attributed to his declining health and dementia diagnosis.
Timeline and Legacy After Malcolm Young's Death
Following Malcolm Young's death in 2017, AC/DC continued as a band with his nephew Stevie Young stepping in to fill the rhythm guitar role. The band released the album "Power Up" in 2020, which was dedicated to Malcolm and received positive reviews and strong commercial performance.
His legacy is frequently discussed in retrospectives and documentaries about the band, with many noting his influence on hard rock and heavy metal guitar playing. His contributions to AC/DC are documented on the band's official website and in numerous music history resources, including AllMusic and Rolling Stone.