Brian Johnson Pays Tribute to Malcolm Young
Brian Johnson has paid tribute to his former AC/DC bandmate Malcolm Young, who died over the weekend at age 64.
The band's former singer penned some words on his website about the rhythm guitarist underneath a photo of Young and a headline that states, "For 32 years we stood side by side on stage."
"I am saddened by the passing of my friend Malcolm Young," Johnson wrote. "I can’t believe he’s gone. We had such great times on the road. I was always aware that he was a genius on guitar, his riffs have become legend, as has he. I send out my love and sympathy to his wife Linda, his children Kara and Ross, and Angus, who will all be devastated ... as we all are. He has left a legacy that I don’t think many can match. He never liked the celebrity side of fame, he was too humble for that. He was the man who created AC/DC because he said 'There was no Rock 'n' Roll' out there. I am proud to have known him and call him a friend, and I’m going to miss him so much. I salute you, Malcolm Young."
Johnson left the band in April 2016 after being advised by doctors to stop touring due to hearing loss that could have been exacerbated onstage. Young was diagnosed with dementia earlier in the decade, and performed his last show with AC/DC in 2010. At the time of the announcement of Young's illness in 2014, Johnson called the guitarist and band co-founder its "spiritual leader."
AC/DC issued their statement regarding Young at the time of his death on Nov. 18. “It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of Malcolm Young, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother,” they wrote. “Malcolm had been suffering from dementia for several years and passed away peacefully with his family by his bedside.”
Young's brother, and the band's co-founder and lead guitarist Angus Young, also released a separate statement. “As his brother, it is hard to express in words what he has meant to me during my life," he noted. "The bond we had was unique and very special. He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever. Malcolm, job well done.”