Musicians are sharing their memories and condolences following the death of AC/DC guitarist and co-founder Malcolm Young, who died Saturday (Nov. 18) following a three-year battle with dementia. He was 64.
“It is a sad day in rock and roll. Malcolm Young was my friend and the heart and soul of AC/DC,” Eddie Van Halen wrote on Twitter. “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.”
Malcolm Young, who founded AC/DC with his brother, Angus, in 1973, was forced to retire from the band in 2014 due to his illness. He and Angus had been credited as co-writers on every AC/DC song beginning with the group’s 1975 debut, High Voltage, through 2014’s Rock or Bust.
Malcolm Young died peacefully Saturday alongside his family. He is survived by his wife, O’Linda, and two children.
See more social media reactions below.
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
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
We are deeply saddened to have heard the news of the passing of Malcolm Young from AC/DC. Malcolm was the heart and soul of AC/DC and as fine an example as any to rhythm guitarists everywhere. Rock In Peace, Malcolm. Hope we see you up there. Love Dropkick Murphys pic.twitter.com/qCWxmjmKEQ
— Dropkick Murphys (@DropkickMurphys) November 18, 2017
Malcolm Young, one of the best to do it pic.twitter.com/9kHJasyv00
— SPOON (@spoontheband) November 18, 2017
It’s sad to hear of Malcolm Young’s passing. He was the heart, soul, & velvet hammer of AC/DC. We’ll definitely miss him. pic.twitter.com/L7hWurwqH2
— Zac Brown Band (@zacbrownband) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young — pic.twitter.com/7kHpkg6DK9
— Garbage (@garbage) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young
Legend.
He was the founding member of AC/DC & the engine that roared behind the most powerful band in the world.
He wrote Back In Black, Highway to Hell, You Shook Me All Night Long, Highway to Hell, so many songs…
Travel safely to the stars, Malcolm.
Legend. pic.twitter.com/xfjylBbh4u— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young. Your guitar playing was a huge inspiration. Thanks for that #malcolmyoung #ACDC
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) November 18, 2017
Malcolm Young, AC/DC Guitarist and Co-Founder, Dead at 64 https://t.co/TBLneYSVSJ via @RollingStone
— Living Colour (@LivingColour) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young! That killer rhythm was all his and pure rock!
— marc maron (@marcmaron) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young. Shake Heaven all night long forever
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) November 18, 2017
sad day. best rock&roll rhythm guitar player we’ll ever see & an irreplaceable member of one of the greatest bands of all time. RIP malcolm and thank you for SO MUCH GREAT FUCKING MUSIC! (– ross halfin) pic.twitter.com/5Ayee06ryU
— matt nathanson (@mattnathanson) November 18, 2017
Rest in peace Malcolm Young x
— Biffy Clyro (@BiffyClyro) November 18, 2017
‘Malcom Young the best right hand in game! RIP. Play AC/DC loud all day!’ KJ @acdc
— stereophonics (@stereophonics) 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
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
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
R.I.P. Malcolm Young
— Joe Satriani (@chickenfootjoe) November 18, 2017
GOD BLESS MALCOLM YOUNG – 1953 – 2O17 tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/kZxtl4uG6L
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) November 18, 2017
I’m sorry to hear about Malcolm Young, a fine player. pic.twitter.com/nxlxTrEZIS
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) November 18, 2017
No words…
…just tears.
Rest in Power Malcolm Young.@acdc pic.twitter.com/HdDrfVBkIc
— Disturbed (@Disturbed) November 18, 2017
The greatest rhythm guitar player ever and a songwriter beyond compare. Malcolm Young is forever a legend. pic.twitter.com/FdNfx1tRdE
— greg dulli (@MrGregDulli) 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 Young Rock In Peace pic.twitter.com/K3WO7YdnBR
— Guns N’ F’N Roses (@gunsnfnroses) November 18, 2017
Sad to hear of Malcom’s passing…
AC/DC were the first band I ever went to see LIVE…
(With Bon Scott)
Heart &… https://t.co/YrTzqdfJ7w— Julian Lennon (@JulianLennon) November 18, 2017