AC/DC founder and guitarist Malcolm Young dead at 64

Young was also a guitarist for the rock band.

ByABC News
November 18, 2017, 9:44 AM
Guitarist Malcolm Young of the rock band AC/DC performs in Berlin, June 21, 2010.
Guitarist Malcolm Young of the rock band AC/DC performs in Berlin, June 21, 2010.
ullstein bild via Getty Images, FILE

— -- AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young died, the iconic rock band announced Saturday. He was 64.

"Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young," a statement read on the band's website. "Malcolm, along with Angus, was the founder and creator of AC/DC."

PHOTO: Guitarist Malcolm Young of the rock band AC/DC performs at the Rogers Center in Toronto, Jan. 9, 2009.
Guitarist Malcolm Young of the rock band AC/DC performs at the Rogers Center in Toronto, Jan. 9, 2009.

Young, along with his brother Angus, founded the Australian rock band in 1972. He was the band's longtime guitarist until April 2014 when he took a break. It was later revealed that Young had been suffering with dementia, according to Rolling Stone magazine.

PHOTO: Members of the rock band AC/DC pose for a group photo in London, July 5, 1996.
Members of the rock band AC/DC pose for a group photo in London, July 5, 1996. Malcolm Young, 2nd from right, holds a Gretsch 6131 Jet Firebird guitar.

The statement continued, "With enormous dedication and commitment he was the driving force behind the band. As a guitarist, songwriter and visionary he was a perfectionist and a unique man. He always stuck to his guns and did and said exactly what he wanted. He took great pride in all that he endeavored. His loyalty to the fans was unsurpassed."

Angus Young, 62, added, "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, job well done."

PHOTO: Guitarist Malcolm Young of the rock band AC/DC performs at the Met Center in Bloomington, Minn., Sept. 29, 1985.
Guitarist Malcolm Young of the rock band AC/DC performs at the Met Center in Bloomington, Minn., Sept. 29, 1985.

The guitarist's death comes after the death of his older brother, George, AC/DC's longtime producer, back in October. He was 70.

    Young is survived by his wife, Linda Young, and two children, Cara and Ross.