Happy Birthday to a Riffmaster Legend  

Today, we salute Malcolm Young, who would’ve been 72 years old. Though he passed in 2017 after battling dementia, his legacy as a founding member of AC/DC is eternal. I remember hearing the news—I was devastated. Gone too soon, but he left peacefully, surrounded by family.

RIP, Malcolm, let there be rock in heaven… 

But today isn’t just about mourning—it’s about celebrating!

As we remember, Malcolm and his brother Angus Young both founded AC/DC from the ground up. He wasn’t just the rhythm guitarist; he was the glue that held the band together. He made all major decisions that came their way through all their highs and lows. While Angus stole the spotlight, Malcolm’s electric riffs were the backbone of their sound. His rhythm defined the band, and let’s be real—he was the best at it.

Think about it. Perhaps Malcolm inspired you to pick up the guitar and master those riffs. Maybe the songs he wrote had you blasting AC/DC with your friends and screaming your heart out to Highway to Hell or Back in Black. Or maybe you’ve been to their tours and had the most awesome time of your life (and did you get the tour tee to prove you were there?). 

Even after he retired due to his health, Malcolm’s legacy lived on. His nephew Stevie Young stepped in as rhythm guitarist, keeping the spirit alive. And their most recent album, Power Up (2020), was a tribute to Malcolm. Angus shared in an interview that many of the songs came from material Malcolm wrote before he passed. Personally, I’m biased toward this album since there were no weak songs, and both Angus and Cliff brought energy as if they were decades younger. 

Oh, and did you hear? AC/DC is having a new tour in North America later this year, so Malcolm’s sound and spirit will still live on! 

Here’s to Malcolm, forever riffing with Bon Scott up above.

We Salute You, Malcolm. 🙏

Sam