When many people think AC/DC, you may think Angus Young’s non-stop movement on guitar or possibly Brian Johnson belting out tunes in his beloved flat cap.  Or some old school fans may think of bare chested Bon Scott singing his heart out with a mischievous grin and glint in his eye.  However, many may not think of the heart, soul, and engine of the band-  rhythm guitarist and founder of AC/DC, Malcolm Young.

After suffering from dementia over the past few years, Malcolm Young died today at the relatively young age of 64.  From the band’s inception since around 1973 until 2014, Young was a constant presence in the band (save for a few shows missed in the late 80s) and well known for his extremely solid rhythm playing and as main songwriter on all AC/DC material.  While brother Angus was like a tornado on stage, Malcolm was always rooted to the spot behind the microphone but rhythmically bobbing and bouncing with the beat-  yellow Gretsch guitar in hand and leading the charge.  To steal a quote from Angus:  “My part in AC/DC is just adding the color on top.  Mal’s the band’s foundation.  He’s rock solid and he pumps it along with the power of a machine”.

I’ve always looked at AC\DC as a bit like a “gateway” rock band for kids and I mean this in a good way.  I know my son and my nephew were influenced when they were at a young age- the sense of rhythm, groove, and feel are in the pocket, easy to sing along with, and fun to let out your inner air guitarist.  As a budding guitarist, these songs were also great to play along with and certainly helped with timing, feel, and a keen rhythmic sense.  For all that, we have a huge debt of gratitude to pay to Malcolm Young.  Thanks for the outstanding catalog of music and may you rest in peace.