Malcolm Young
AC/DC – The indestructible rhythm engine
Origins and Early Life
Malcolm Mitchell Young was born on January 6, 1953 in Glasgow, Scotland. Like his brother Angus, he grew up in Sydney after his family emigrated to Australia. A self-taught guitarist, he played in several local bands, including The Velvet Underground (an Australian band unrelated to Lou Reed’s group), before co-founding AC/DC in 1973.
From the very beginning, Malcolm imposed strict discipline on the band: intensive rehearsals, rigorous stage performances, and a refusal to compromise artistically. He personally auditioned singers, selected setlists, and managed the group’s business affairs.
The Backbone of AC/DC
Malcolm was the band’s main songwriter and its behind-the-scenes leader. His sharp, dry rhythm playing formed the foundation of AC/DC’s sound. Together with Angus, he co-wrote nearly all of the band’s songs, creating riffs that were deceptively simple yet incredibly powerful.
Albums such as Highway to Hell (1979), Back in Black (1980), and For Those About to Rock (1981) carry his unmistakable rhythmic signature. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones described him as one of the greatest rhythm guitarists he had ever heard.
Illness and Death
In 2014, Malcolm retired from the band after being diagnosed with dementia. His nephew Stevie Young replaced him on stage and in the studio. Malcolm passed away on November 18, 2017, at the age of 64. The album Power Up (2020) was dedicated to his memory and built around riffs and ideas he had left behind before his illness.
Iconic Guitar
Malcolm Young was famous for his 1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird, nicknamed “The Beast”. He removed the neck pickup to use only the bridge pickup, achieving a dry, compact, razor-sharp tone. The guitar became so iconic that Gretsch released a limited-edition Malcolm Young Signature model.
