Imagine a world where the raw, unfiltered energy of rock and roll becomes a lifeline for someone battling dementia. This is the story of Malcolm Young, the legendary rhythm guitarist of AC/DC, and how two iconic singers unknowingly became his musical anchors during his struggle.
For over four decades, Malcolm Young was the backbone of AC/DC’s signature sound—a no-frills, riff-driven approach that defined hard rock. Alongside his younger brother, lead guitarist Angus Young, Malcolm helped AC/DC dominate the late 1970s and early 1980s music scene. Their stripped-down style not only paved the way for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal but also kept them firmly rooted in mainstream appeal. The result? AC/DC became one of the world’s most commercially successful bands, with Back in Black (1980) securing its place as the second best-selling album of all time, just behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
But here’s where it gets emotional: Malcolm’s later years were marked by a battle with dementia, compounded by a lung cancer diagnosis during AC/DC’s Black Ice World Tour. Even during the Black Ice sessions, Malcolm reportedly struggled with concentration and memory, fighting to recall the very riffs that had defined his career. By 2014, his condition was publicly announced, leading to his retirement and relocation to a nursing home in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay.
And this is the part most people miss: during his final years, Malcolm found solace in the music of Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. As Angus Young revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone, Malcolm still cherished his musical roots. “He still likes his music,” Angus shared. “We make sure he has his Chuck Berry, a little Buddy Holly.” This connection to rock’s pioneers wasn’t just nostalgia—it was a lifeline. Music, as anyone who’s worked in elder care knows, has a unique ability to pierce through the fog of dementia, sparking moments of clarity and joy.
But here’s the controversial part: While AC/DC’s music is often celebrated for its simplicity, some critics argue it’s too primitive to be considered groundbreaking. Yet, isn’t that very primitiveness what makes it timeless? NASA didn’t send Chuck Berry’s music into space for no reason—it’s the foundation of rock and roll, a universal language that transcends time and even cognitive decline. Malcolm’s story challenges us to rethink how we value music’s role in our lives, especially in the face of illness.
Malcolm Young passed away in November 2017 at 64, not long after his brother George, a member of The Easybeats, also died. His legacy lives on not just in AC/DC’s catalog but in the way his story highlights music’s power to connect, heal, and endure. So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: If you could choose one song to represent humanity to the universe, what would it be—and why? Let’s discuss in the comments!
