‘We salute you’: Rock world pays tribute to AC/DC's Malcolm Young
The rock world has been paying tribute to AC/DC rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young who has died aged 64.
In a statement issued earlier by AC/DC, it was confirmed that the music legend died today (18th November) with his family at his bedside. He had been suffering from dementia – the devastating illness that forced him to retire from the iconic band he founded.
Malcolm’s younger sibling and band mate Angus Young said: "As his brother it is hard to express in words what he has meant to me during my life, the bond we had was unique and very special. He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever.”
Malcolm is survived by his wife, two children and three grandchildren.
Since news of Malcolm’s death broke at around 1pm today, stars from across the rock and metal sphere have been paying homage to “one of the greats.”
You can read tributes from Tony Iommi, Alex Lifeson, Eddie Van Halen, Dave Grohl, Mike Portnoy, Paul Stanley, Michael Sweet, David Coverdale, Disturbed, Zakk Wylde, Ginger Wildheart, Scott Ian, Ozzy Osbourne, Lars Ulrich, Joe Elliott, Slash, Tom Morello, Duff McKagan, Dave Mustaine, Derek Sherinian, Nickelback, Joe Satriani and more below.
Planet Rock will be playing AC/DC’s seminal classic album ‘Back In Black’ in its glorious entirety on Monday 20th November at 11pm in memory of Malcolm.
> RIP Malcolm Young. pic.twitter.com/YbpGK5drpO > > — Alice Cooper (@RealAliceCooper) November 20, 2017
> Thank you, Malcolm for the songs, and the feel, and the cool, and the years of losing control to your rock and roll. I will do just that tonight, for you. pic.twitter.com/dnwm1uRFqd > > — Foo Fighters (@foofighters) November 18, 2017
> It is a sad day in rock and roll. Malcolm Young was my friend and the heart and soul of AC/DC. I had some of the best times of my life with him on our 1984 European tour. He will be missed and my deepest condolences to his family, bandmates and friends. > > — Eddie Van Halen (@eddievanhalen) November 18, 2017
> Wow...just got off stage here in Brisbane Australia (of all places) to the shocking news of Malcolm Young's passing. So sad...one of the great rhythm guitar players of all time. (James Hetfield and Scott Ian would be the 1st to say so themselves...) #RIPMalcolmYoung pic.twitter.com/qZXHIMpktF > > — Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) November 18, 2017
> The driving engine of AC/DC has died.A tragic end for a sometimes unsung icon. One of the true greats. RIP. https://t.co/cJe1Xr17IA > > — Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) November 18, 2017
> So sorry to hear about the passing of Malcolm Young. I grew up on AC⚡️DC and always admired his playing. RIP and Godspeed my friend? pic.twitter.com/f1ztks77xr > > — MichaelSweet Stryper (@michaelhsweet) November 18, 2017
> Our Thoughts & Prayers Are With His Family, Friends & Fans...Great Guy ...A Pleasure To Know...Truly Missed, Malcolm...XX https://t.co/1ECM7urBN8 > > — David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) November 18, 2017
> No words...
>
> ...just tears.
>
> Rest in Power Malcolm Young.@acdc pic.twitter.com/HdDrfVBkIc
>
> — Disturbed (@Disturbed) November 18, 2017
> I’m sorry to hear about Malcolm Young, a fine player. pic.twitter.com/nxlxTrEZIS > > — Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) November 18, 2017
> GOD BLESS MALCOLM YOUNG - 1953 - 2O17 tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/kZxtl4uG6L > > — Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) November 18, 2017
> Just landed in Paris and heard about Malcolm Young passing away. He was the reason I wanted to play rhythm guitar. Toured with him and he was genuinely lovely. The world has lost a true champion. > > — Ginger Wildheart (@GingerWildheart) November 18, 2017
> So sad to learn of the passing of yet another friend, Malcolm Young. He will be sadly missed. God Bless @ACDC pic.twitter.com/HuEp3kCuyQ > > — Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) November 18, 2017
> Sincerest condolences going out to the Young family today. Malcolm Young sadly passing too soon. Love ya Angus! pic.twitter.com/a3naL0CvdA > > — Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) November 18, 2017
> Malcolm,
> Thank you for being an integral part of the soundtrack to my life. Your music is the definition of timeless and inspiring.
> RIP. pic.twitter.com/B888DfXR9A
>
> — Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) November 18, 2017
> "I’m sad to hear of the passing of Malcolm Young. It was great to get the opportunity to open for AC/DC on the Highway To Hell tour & we certainly learned a thing or two. He was an incredible guitar player & the glue for that band onstage & off. RIP Malcolm, say hi to Bon." - Joe > > — Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) November 18, 2017
> Sad news about Malcolm Young. Dementia is such a horrible disease. pic.twitter.com/hpjrlffVLX > > — Geezer Butler (@GZRMusic) November 18, 2017
> This is a monumentally sad day in Rock n Roll. RIP #MalcomYoung Take a moment of silence in his… https://t.co/cjXUzL2NJU > > — Slash (@Slash) November 18, 2017
> Rest in rock power AC/DC's #MalcolmYoung, #1 greatest rhythm guitarist in the entire history of rock n roll. THANKYOU for everything. pic.twitter.com/boXBDkJJ6W > > — Tom Morello (@tmorello) November 18, 2017
> I have to go...I am losing it that Malcolm is gone. I hate this... > > — Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) November 18, 2017
> RIP Malcolm Young - A very important musician who helped shape the genre of hard rock. pic.twitter.com/GuXWNNjwMS > > — Derek Sherinian (@DerekSherinian) November 18, 2017
> Rest well, Malcolm. We salute you. #MalcolmYoung #ACDC pic.twitter.com/4N8WqGU4w9 > > — Nickelback (@Nickelback) November 18, 2017
> Malcolm is gone, and although his music lives on, there are no words to express this sadness. Bittersweet as it is, I’m happy he’s free from the dementia and in Heaven with Bon and his brother George. I owe so much to Malcolm Young... https://t.co/soxrFpQsmJ pic.twitter.com/YmUI6IH5sG > > — Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) November 18, 2017
> I just heard Malcolm Young has died. He was and always will be one of the top 10 greatest. My heart goes out to the entire AC/DC family. > > — Joe Walsh (@JoeWalsh) November 19, 2017
> Sad news today. Another legend gone. Rip Malcolm Young. Rock On!! pic.twitter.com/TTgZlsQOTY > > — Vince Neil (@thevinceneil) November 19, 2017
> RIP Malcolm Young.
> Very sad news. Thanks, Malcolm for all the great music. Our condolences to the family, friends and fans. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Ward pic.twitter.com/aa7aF65qgW
>
> — Bill Ward (@billwarddrums) November 19, 2017
> Playing ‘Thunderstruck’ AC/DC Malcolm Young..rock on RIP. > > — Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) November 19, 2017
> "Finally, peace comes to Malcolm. His guitar playing will endure for generations to come and that is a worthy legacy." -Alex Lifeson pic.twitter.com/BlqXNhoEr8 > > — Rush (@rushtheband) November 19, 2017
> This man inspired more rock & roll than the world will ever be able to measure. His infectious crunching riffs, iconic Gretsch & Marshall tone made him one of a kind. The epitome of true, badass rock & roll.
> Thank you for the inspiration.#RipMalcolmYoung pic.twitter.com/6BfC9WxTFo
>
> — Tom Keifer (@TomKeiferMusic) November 18, 2017
> R.I.P. #MalcolmYoung. One of the greatest rhythm guitar players from one of the greatest rock n roll bands of all time.
> My sincere condolences to @acdc and the Young family. pic.twitter.com/XIFymzF02G
>
> — Dave Lombardo (@TheDaveLombardo) November 18, 2017
> RIP Malcolm Young ⚡️ #ACDC pic.twitter.com/MY4rS4q2YM > > — Download Festival (@DownloadFest) November 18, 2017
> So sad to hear about Malcolm Young. Absolute legend. RIP. > > — Justin Hawkins (@JustinHawkins) November 18, 2017
> Malcolm Young of AC/DC`s guitar playing feels like sex. What a perfect. perfect rhythm guitarist. What an original and immensely pleasurable body of work he gave us. Gone way too soon, he will be sorely missed. > > — Marty Friedman (@marty_friedman) November 18, 2017
> Heavy heart hearing of Malcolm Young’s passing.Not only did he co- found one of the greatest bands in the world he co wrote the songs that inspired many of us to wanna be in a band.Condolences to his whole family,band mates and fans. RIP bad ass. > > — Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) November 18, 2017
> Malcolm Young was such a force in the rock world. His songwriting, distinctive rhythm sound, & skillful chops played such a huge part in AC/DC's greatness. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to tour with this iconic band in decades past. Memories I treasure. RIP > > — Dave Meniketti (@DaveMeniketti) November 18, 2017
> One of the greatest rhythm guitarist of all time! RIP #malcolmyoung AC/DC https://t.co/UJlCnzSYag > > — ASHBA (@DjASHBA) November 18, 2017
> RIP MALCOLM YOUNG. There would be no AC/DC without you . Undeniably one of the best rhythm players in rocknroll history and one of my favorite guitar players ever. ???? > > — Brody D Homme (@BrodyDHomme) November 18, 2017
> R.I.P. Malcolm Young > > — Joe Satriani (@chickenfootjoe) November 18, 2017
> Feeling very sad about Malcolm Young. Without a doubt one of Rock's greatest ever rhythm guitarists, and also pivotal writer, creator, icon. Condolences to his family and his friends. What a loss to the world. God Bless. Bri pic: The Guardian > > A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Nov 19, 2017 at 6:26am PST
> Malcolm had an intensely powerful, percussive and economic style of playing that made him the greatest rhythm guitarist of all time. His uncanny ability to wring only the necessary notes out of his Gretsch was what made AC/DC - his riffs, feel and tone the soul of that band. What he means to me is unquantifiable. I am a rhythm guitarist because of Malcolm Young, he lives with me always and I hope to honor the man and his legacy every time I play. And now I’m going to crank Riff Raff and play along. My condolences to his family and friends. Cheers and RIP Malcolm Young. Tattoo by @thekatvond > > A post shared by Scott Ian (@scottianthrax) on Nov 18, 2017 at 9:33am PST