The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Musician›Malcolm Young
Entertainment • Musician

Malcolm Young

Malcolm Mitchell Young was an Australian musician and founding member of AC/DC, where he served as rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist, and songwriter.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Malcolm Mitchell Young was an Australian musician and founding member of AC/DC, where he served as rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist, and songwriter. Born in Scotland, he moved to Australia as a child and remained with the band from its formation in 1973 until his retirement in 2014, except for a brief absence in 1988. He died in 2017 at age 64 after a long battle with dementia.

Early life

Malcolm Young was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and later moved with his family to Australia. His early life in Australia helped shape his entry into the local music scene.

AC/DC

Young co-founded AC/DC in 1973 and became the group’s rhythm guitarist and a major songwriter. He remained one of the band’s central creative figures for decades, widely regarded as its musical backbone and a key architect of its sound.

Retirement and death

Young retired from AC/DC in 2014 after being affected by dementia. He died in Sydney in 2017 at the age of 64.

Key facts

  • Founded AC/DC with his younger brother Angus Young in 1973.
  • Played rhythm guitar and contributed backing vocals and songwriting for the band.
  • Stayed with AC/DC from its formation until his retirement in 2014, aside from a brief absence in 1988.
  • Was widely regarded as the band’s musical backbone and a key architect of its sound.
  • Died in 2017 at age 64 in Sydney after battling dementia.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Malcolm Young?
He was an Australian musician best known as a founding member, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter for AC/DC.
When and where was Malcolm Young born?
He was born on 6 January 1953 in Glasgow, Scotland.
When did Malcolm Young die?
He died on 18 November 2017 in Sydney, Australia, at age 64.
What was Malcolm Young’s role in AC/DC?
He was the band’s rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist, and one of its main songwriters.
When did Malcolm Young retire from AC/DC?
He retired in 2014 after a long career with the band.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Young
    Supports: Birth and death dates, role in AC/DC, and active years with the band.
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42037566
    Supports: Death at age 64, dementia, co-founding AC/DC, and family move from Scotland to Australia.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Malcolm-Young
    Supports: Biographical identification as an Australian musician and key dates.
  4. Rolling Stone Australia — https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/malcolm-young-out-of-the-shadows-2210/
    Supports: His importance to AC/DC and role as the band's behind-the-scenes leader.