AC/DC co-founder, rhythm guitarist, songwriter and all-around rock legend Malcolm Young passed away on Saturday at age 64. Malcolm and his brother Angus’s influence on hard rock is so woven into the genre that it’s practically immeasurable. Naturally, when news broke of Young’s death, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike.
Rock titans like Eddie Van Halen, Paul Stanley and Ozzy Osbourne were quick to recognize the life and legacy of the late stadium-filler. They certainly weren’t the only ones on Twitter wanting to express what Malcolm Young meant to them.
“I’m sad to hear of the passing of Malcolm Young,” wrote Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott on behalf of the band. “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.”
"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
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
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
Sad news about Malcolm Young. Dementia is such a horrible disease. pic.twitter.com/hpjrlffVLX
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) November 18, 2017
I’m sorry to hear about Malcolm Young, a fine player. pic.twitter.com/nxlxTrEZIS
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) November 18, 2017
R.I.P. Malcolm Young
— Joe Satriani (@chickenfootjoe) November 18, 2017
No words…
…just tears.
Rest in Power Malcolm Young.@acdc pic.twitter.com/HdDrfVBkIc
— Disturbed (@Disturbed) November 18, 2017
GOD BLESS MALCOLM YOUNG – 1953 – 2O17 tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/kZxtl4uG6L
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) November 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/MrGregDulli/status/931945473862021120
RIP Malcolm Young. Shake Heaven all night long forever
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) 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, one of the best to do it pic.twitter.com/9kHJasyv00
— SPOON (@spoontheband) 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
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
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
https://twitter.com/DropkickMurphys/status/931902676979277824
https://twitter.com/thirdmanrecords/status/931951633549942789
#RIPMalcolmYoung @acdc . Had the chance to interview him a couple times. Great memories. Another icon of rock gone too soon.
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young, longtime purveyor of fine rock and roll riffs like this. https://t.co/s4RkwMRDt4
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) November 18, 2017
RIP Malcolm Young! That killer rhythm was all his and pure rock!
— marc maron (@marcmaron) November 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/AlanTudyk/status/931946359661346816
https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/931947290532618240
.@WWE is saddened to learn that Malcolm Young, guitarist and co-founder of the iconic band AC/DC, has passed away at the age of 64. https://t.co/ELWRm7qRXQ
— WWE (@WWE) November 18, 2017
Malcolm Young, we sa⚡️ute you. 1953 – 2017 pic.twitter.com/tT5Oz5bzIe
— MSG (@TheGarden) November 18, 2017
They’ve been a staple of hockey’s pre-game warmup for years, and today, with the death of guitarist Malcolm Young, it’s all AC/DC in Ottawa. @acdc pic.twitter.com/fvA6QqtqUn
— Gord Miller 🌻🇺🇦 (@GMillerTSN) November 18, 2017
Malcolm Young’s family has released a statement following the Australian music legend’s death.
“It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of Malcolm Young, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. Malcolm had been suffering from Dementia for several years and passed away peacefully on Saturday with his family by his bedside.
”Renowned for his musical prowess, Malcolm was a songwriter, guitarist, performer, producer and visionary who inspired many. From the outset he knew what he wanted to achieve and, along with his younger brother, took to the world stage giving their all at every show. Nothing less would do for their fans.“
”While thanking all for their overwhelming support and heartfelt condolences, the family ask that you respect their privacy during this time of heartbreak and grief.”
This seems like as a good a time as any to follow Alan Tudyk’s advice and put AC/DC on at a thundering volume today. Screw the neighbors.
