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Will there be another Back in Black album? Malcolm Young, a co-founder of the band AC/DC died in November of 2017.
AC/DC was founded in Australia 1973. It became known as one of the most respected rock bands in the world and is still widely popular today. With hits like “Highway to hell”, the band continued to gain fame with its world travel tours. The music they played was so mixed and new that it became known simply as Rock and Roll. Many grieve the death of Malcolm Young, showing just how much the band has influenced music.
Malcolm Young was born in Scotland like his brother Angus. Then, their family moved to Australia. Malcolm said all the males of his family played something, therefore, it would be only natural that he would soon pick up the guitar. Malcolm Young was 20 years old when he started the rock band. He decided to let his little brother play lead while he played rhythm. It was not until 1974, after many member replacements, that the band was finally in place and ready to record with Bon Scott as the new lead singer. By October of the same year, the album “High Voltage” was released and another one next year, launching their international fame.
When Bon Scott died, the band wanted to split up but stayed together in the end, and they finally found Brian Johnson who they recorded the hit album “Back in Black” with, as a tribute to their former lead singer. The album gained them even more fame. It was known as the Rebirth era.
The first couple of years after the death. The band didn’t work so well. Another band member had left and their albums weren’t gaining much new fame. They were even considered the eighth-biggest disappointment of the year in the 1984 Kerrang! readers’ poll. However, in 1986, the band started to flourish again with it’s hit single “You Shook Me All Night Long”. The band’s popularity started rising again.
As the band grew into the new century Malcolm Young began to grow ill, causing controversy of a full band retirement. The band stayed together but Malcolm Young had to leave due to his declining health. His nephew, Stevie Young came in to replace Malcolm and help finish the recording of their next album.
The 21st century didn’t treat the band so well. Although the band’s fame was bigger than ever, the band itself was starting to lose its lineup. Drummer Phil Rudd was charged with attempted murder and drug use, which eventually caused him to leave the band. As the band prepared to get ready for the Grammys, their former drummer Chris Slade was put in for Rudd’s replacement. A few years after that, the lead singer Brian Johnson began to lose his hearing. The funny thing is that his loss was not caused by his decades of performing for the band, but instead because of his fond of auto racing which he once forgot to put in earplugs, causing a ruptured ear drum in his left ear.
Axl Rose, lead singer of fellow rock band Guns n Roses joined AC/DC to help fill in for the band’s remaining tours. The band stated their wishes for Brian, and their statement shows love and empathy for the singer and they thanked Axl Rose for help.
After the departures of Malcolm, Phil, and Brian, the band had taken a huge hit causing another band member to be unable to bear the loss, soon leading him to leave the band. Cliff Williams stated his retirement on 8 July 2016 and spoke of his gratitude toward the band. After Cliff left the band, it was announced that Axl Rose was officially a new member of the band, promising a new future of rock and roll.
On 26 September 2014, Malcolm was brought into a nursing home after reports of him having dementia. Family members reported of him experiencing lapses in memory and concentration. Angus really appreciates his brother and once said: “Look, even with his health, Malcolm was touring until he couldn’t do it anymore.” This proves Malcolm’s dedication to the band and it is sad to see him go.
Malcolm Young died on 18 November 2017, he was 64. Band members came to his funeral and many fans posted tributes to him. He was buried in his homeland, Australia.
Here are my top 5 AC/DC songs. This to their music as a way to show your condolences to the departed guitarist.
- Back in Black
- Highway to Hell
- You shook me all night long
- Thunderstruck
- T.N.T
For fellow guitar players out there. This list is also a good way to start shredding.
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