Malcolm Young, guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of Australian rock band AC/DC, died Saturday at the age of 64. Young has battled dementia for the past several years, forcing him to retire from the band in 2014.
“Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young,” reads a statement posted on the band’s official Facebook page.
“As a guitarist, songwriter and visionary he was a perfectionist and a unique man,” the statement continues. “He always stuck to his guns and did and said exactly what he wanted. He took great pride in all that he endeavored. His loyalty to the fans was unsurpassed.”
And additional statement from the family states that Young “passed away peacefully with his family by his bedside.”
Young is survived by his wife O’Linda, children Cara and Ross, son-in-law Josh, three grandchildren, sister and brother.
Over the course of a more-than 40 year career, AC/DC have sold more than 200 million records worldwide. Their 1980 album Back in Black has sold an estimated 50 million units alone, making it the highest selling album by any band.
