AC/DC founding member Malcolm Young has left the band because of illness
Heavy metal veterans AC/DC have confirmed that founding member Malcolm Young has left the band because of illness and is to be replaced by his nephew, Stevie Young. A message on the Australian band’s website said they would go on without him and that their new album, Rock or Bust, will still be released in December.
The statement said: “Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition, he will not be returning to the band. AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of Rock or Bust in 2015. Stevie Young, nephew of founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, plays rhythm guitar on Rock or Bust and will accompany the band on tour.”
In an interview with ABC News earlier this year, a friend of the musician revealed the seriousness of Young’s illness. “Malcolm is sick. From what I understand, and it’s even been confirmed in part by his son Ross, it would appear Malcolm is unable to perform any more.
“It’s not just that he is unwell, it’s that it is quite serious. He definitely won’t be able to perform live. He will probably not be able to record.”
The band has previously survived the death of its singer. Bon Scott died in 1980 after a night of heavy drinking in London and was replaced by Brian Johnson, who has remained as vocalist ever since.
AC/DC, who have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide, have been a huge draw on the rock circuit for decades, creating anthems such as Highway To Hell and Back In Black, although they have tended to have album rather than single success. Their songs were used as the soundtrack for the movie Iron Man 2.
AC/DC’s albums have been few and far between in recent years and their most recent release, 2008 chart-topper Black Ice, was only their third album since 1990.
Source: The Telegraph
