AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young has died at the age of 64 after a long battle with dementia.
The Australian guitarist died peacefully on November 18 with his family nearby, a statement said.
Malcolm Young will be remembered for his powerful rhythm guitar riffs that were instrumental in propelling the Sydney heavy rock group to stardom.
Three Young brothers have been part of AC/DC’s history, including lead guitarist Angus.
Malcolm’s brother, producer George Young, died in October.
The statement read: “Renowned for his musical prowess, Malcolm was a songwriter, guitarist, performer, producer and visionary who inspired many.
“From the outset, he knew what he wanted to achieve and, along with his younger brother, took to the world stage giving their all at every show. Nothing less would do for their fans.”
After founding AC/DC in 1973, the Young brothers were credited as co-writers on every song the band recorded by the band between their 1975 debut High Voltage through to 2014’s Rock or Bust.
Malcolm Young was born in 1953 in Glasgow before his family emigrated to Australia when he was 10. His family confirmed he was suffering from dementia in 2014.
The musician wrote much of the band’s the material that enabled AC/DC to become one of the biggest heavy rock bands, including Back In Black, Highway to Hell and You Shook Me All Night Long.
AC/DC is estimated to have sold more than 200 million records worldwide, including 71.5 million albums in the US.
A statement by the artist’s brother Angus on the AC/DC website praises Malcolm Young’s “enormous dedication and commitment” which made him “the driving force behind the band” who “always stuck to his guns and did and said exactly what he wanted”.
“As his brother it is hard to express in words what he has meant to me during my life, the bond we had was unique and very special. He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever.
Phil Rudd has been arrested again in New Zealand, less than two weeks after being sentenced for drug possession and making threats to kill.
Earlier this month, former AC/DC drummer was sentenced to eight months in house detention.
At the time, the judge warned Phil Rudd, 61, that he would be imprisoned if he breached the terms of the sentence.
Now, his lawyer Craig Tuck has said the drummer has been arrested again and will appear in court on July 20. He gave no further details, however.
“All I can say is he has been arrested and will be appearing on Monday at 10:00 in the Tauranga District Court,” Craig Tuck told the AFP news agency.
“That’s all I can say for now and that’s all I am telling everyone who is calling.”
Local police in the Bay of Plenty, on New Zealand’s North Island, told the Stuff.co.nz website the department would not comment until after the court hearing.
Phil Rudd was sentenced to house detention on July 9 for threatening to “take out” a former employee and possessing marijuana and methamphetamine.
Judge Thomas Ingram said home detention was the most appropriate punishment – but warned that he would be closely monitored and jail would be the next step if the drummer stepped out of line.
“I stone cold guarantee that’s where you’ll end up,” the judge said during sentencing.
“The temptations of the rock star lifestyle have caused your downfall here.”
Phil Rudd’s conviction led him to be left out of AC/DC’s current world tour.
AC/DC are playing in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 19.
AC/DC’s former drummer Phil Rudd has changed his plea to guilty on a charge of a threat to kill, at a court in Tauranga, New Zealand.
The court heard Phil Rudd had asked for a former employee to be “taken out” because he was angry his solo album had not performed well.
Phil Rudd, who had denied the charges, also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and methamphetamine.
One second charge of a threat to kill has been dropped for lack of evidence.
Australian-born Phil Rudd was arrested at his home in the coastal town in November 2014 and has since been out on bail.
Photo Getty Images
The court summary heard on April 21 that he had fired a number of employees in August after his solo album, Head Job, flopped in the charts.
A month later, the court heard, Phil Rudd called an associate saying he wanted one of the people he had fired “taken out”.
He later offered the associate NZ$200,000 ($153,000) as well as “a motorbike, one of his cars or a house”, which the person assumed was payment “for carrying out his earlier request”.
Phil Rudd is then alleged to have called the victim threatening to “come over and kill you”.
“As a result of threats made by the defendant, the victim was genuinely very fearful for his safety,” the court summary read.
Phil Rudd’s lawyer, Craig Tuck, told reporters outside the court that the charge “essentially revolved around an angry phone call – that was it”.
The 60-year-old faces up to seven years in jail for the threat charge. Possession of cannabis carries a sentence of three months and methamphetamine possession six months.
Phil Rudd has been released on bail until another hearing in June.
Coachella festival announced the full lineup for 2015 which includes Drake, AC/DC and Jack White.
The California festival made the announcement on Twitter, with more than 16,000 retweets in an hour.
David Guetta, Interpol and Florence and the Machine will also play over two weekends in Indio in April.
Acts like Tame Impala, Steely Dan and Alt-J are also on the line-up.
Festival organizers say admission passes will need to be bought with a shuttle pass to get people into the desert festival.
Azelia Banks, who’s on the Friday lineups tweeted: “I’m playing Coachella Y’all!!!! Woot Woot.”
The festival promotes the same three-night line-up over two consecutive weekends in the Southern California town of Indio.
It has a reputation for being the venue where top acts from the 1980s and 1990s reunite or kick off a tour.
Last year, Atlanta rappers Andre 3000 and Big Boi reunited after eight years as OutKast on the Coachella stage, while Stone Roses and Blur reassembled in 2013 to headline the festival.
With more than 40 years behind them, AC/DC released their 15th studio album Rock or Bust in December.
AC/DC, comprising Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Stevie Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd, will kick off their Rock or Bust live tour in May in the Netherlands before a gig at Wembley Stadium in July.
Jack White, who has performed at Coachella in the past as the front man for The White Stripes, will headline the festival’s Saturday line-up, while hip-hop artist Drake will be the top act for the first time on Sunday.
The line-up of around 150 acts this year also includes Ryan Adams, Hozier, FKA twigs, Kiesza, SBTRKT, Alesso and Kaskade.
Tickets for Coachella 2015 go on sale on Wednesday, January 7, and cost $375.
According to New Zealand prosecutors, the charges faced by former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd relate to an alleged threat to kill a man and his daughter.
The details of the allegations have been made public for the first time, a day after Phil Rudd breached his bail by having contact with a witness.
Phil Rudd, 60, has denied threatening to kill and drug possession.
He was originally also charged with attempting to procure murder, but this was later dropped for lack of evidence.
New Zealand prosecutors on December 5 released details of their allegations against him, stating that on the morning of September 26, Phil Rudd had made two phone calls.
The first was to a business associate where he allegedly “spoke about what he wanted done to” the unnamed man, who had been working for him for three years.
The second phone call was to the man himself, in which Phil Rudd allegedly “threatened to kill him and his daughter”.
On November 6, police searched Phil Rudd’s home in Tauranga and found 130g (4.6 ounces) of marijuana and 0.7g of methamphetamine.
Phil Rudd acknowledged possessing the marijuana, prosecutors allege, but denied both threatening to kill the contractor and making the phone calls.
He could be jailed up to seven years if found guilty of threatening to kill. Possession of cannabis carries a sentence of three months and methamphetamine possession six months.
On December 4, Phil Rudd was recalled to Tauranga District Court after he was found to have breached his bail conditions by coming into contact with a prosecution witness. The encounter ended in scuffles.
Phil Rudd’s lawyer said he had run into the witness at a coffee shop in a shopping centre by chance.
The drummer was re-released on bail but the conditions were tightened to specifically include a ban on taking illegal drugs.
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has pleaded not guilty to charges of threatening to kill and possession of drugs.
Phil Rudd, 60, was excused from appearing in New Zealand’s Tauranga District Court, with his lawyer entering his plea.
The Australian-born musician was originally charged with attempting to procure the murder of two men.
That charge was dropped because of a lack of evidence.
In an earlier ruling, the names of the alleged murder targets and that of the alleged hit-man were suppressed.
Crown prosecutor Greg Hollister-Jones on December 2 applied for witness names and any statements they made to be suppressed, according to New Zealand media outlet stuff.co.nz.
The court agreed but ruled that because of strong public interest in the case, details of the charges and a summary of facts should be released by the Crown.
Phil Rudd remains on bail and his case will be called again in February.
The drummer was kicked out of AC/DC in 1983 and rejoined in 1994.
AC/DC members say they have not spoken to drummer Phil Rudd since he was charged with attempting to arrange a murder on November 6.
Angus Young said they had had “a few problems” with Phil Rudd while recording their latest album but his arrest “took everyone by surprise”.
“We haven’t had contact,” said Angus Young.
“He’s got himself in a pickle.”
Key charges were later dropped, but Phil Rudd still face charges of drugs possession and making threats to kill.
“We had a few issues before with him,” said Angus Young, speaking about Phil Rudd during an interview in New York to promote their album Rock or Bust.
“Even when we were recording it was hard even to get to him to do the recording.”
“And then he was supposed to show up to do promos with us, to do video shoots and a few other things, and he never showed up for that either.
“So, at this stage, it’s a pretty tough call for us.”
AC/DC is one of the highest grossing music acts of all time. Their best known hits include Highway to Hell and You Shook Me All Night Long.
Phil Rudd, now 60, was kicked out of the band in 1983 and rejoined in 1994. But his absence from a recent photo of band members prompted online speculation about whether he was still in the band.
New Zealand police had initially accused Phil Rudd of trying to arrange for a hitman to carry out two killings, but charges were dropped after 24 hours.
Under the current charges, Phil Rudd could face a maximum prison term of seven years for the charge of threatening to kill.
“He’s got to sort himself out I think,” said Angus Young, adding that the band remain “resolved to go forward”.
“At this point it’s kind of a question mark. But if we’re touring, there will be a drummer in place, put it that way.”
Angus Young, 59, is the only remaining original member of the band, after his brother, Malcolm, was diagnosed with dementia earlier this year.
The current line-up includes Cliff Williams, Brian Johnson and Angus Young’s nephew, Stevie.
Phil Rudd is due to appear in court in New Zealand on November 27.
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has had a charge of attempting to arrange a murder dropped in New Zealand.
The U-turn by authorities, announced less than 24 hours after Phil Rudd appeared in court, was because of a lack of evidence, his lawyer Paul Mabey said.
He will still face charges of drugs possession and making threats to kill.
AC/DC had earlier issued a statement saying its planned tour would not be affected by news of the charges.
The band is one of the highest grossing music acts of all time.
Phil Rudd was kicked out of AC/DC in 1983 and rejoined in 1994
On November 6, Phil Rudd appeared in court after a police raid on his waterfront house in Tauranga, on New Zealand’s North Island.
However, on November 7, prosecuting lawyer Greg Hollister-Jones said his office had reviewed the case and found there was “insufficient evidence to proceed with the charge of attempting to procure murder”.
Phil Rudd’s lawyer, Paul Mabey, said the “charge alleging an attempt to procure murder should never have been laid”.
He added that Phil Rudd had suffered “incalculable” damage from the publicity surrounding the allegation and its sensational reporting, and would consider “any possible remedies he may have”.
He described the drug charges as “minor” offences and said the musician would defend the charge of making threats to kill, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in jail.
Phil Rudd, 60, is next due in court on November 27. AC/DC is launching its new album on December 2.
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has appeared in a New Zealand court on charges of attempting to arrange a murder.
Phil Rudd, who was born in Australia, has also been charged with possessing the drugs methamphetamine and cannabis, and of making threats to kill.
The musician’s waterfront house in Tauranga, on New Zealand’s North Island, was raided on Thursday morning, November 6.
AC/DC are due to release a new album later this year.
Phil Rudd, 60, was released on bail after a brief appearance at Tauranga district court.
As part of his bail conditions, he must not have any contact with anyone involved in the alleged murder plot.
Phil Rudd has appeared in a New Zealand court on charges of attempting to arrange a murder
Local media reports say that the alleged plot targeted two men. The judge ruled that their names as well as that of the alleged hit-man cannot be revealed.
Phil Rudd will appear in court again on November 27. He has yet to enter a plea.
Under New Zealand law, the charge of attempting to “procure” a murder carries a jail sentence of up to 10 years.
A police official quoted by the SunLive news website said the information that led to the raid on the house was provided by a member of the public.
Phil Rudd was kicked out of the band in 1983 and rejoined in 1994.
Phil Rudd did not appear in a new photo of AC/DC members released last month to promote their upcoming album Rock Or Bust, and was reportedly absent from the filming of a new music video, prompting online speculation about whether he was still in the band.
Malcolm Young, who recently left AC/DC due to ill-health, is reportedly suffering from dementia.
61-year-old Malcolm Young, AC/DC guitarist and founder member, has been replaced in the band by his nephew, Stevie Young.
A family statement to People magazine said: “Malcolm is suffering from dementia and the family thanks you for respecting their privacy.”
AC/DC announced Malcolm Young’s departure last month but said they would go on without him and that their new album Rock Or Bust.
Rock or Bust will be released in December.
Malcolm Young formed AC/DC in 1973 with his younger brother Angus (photo PA)
Malcolm Young, who emigrated from Scotland to Australia at the age of 10 with his family, formed AC/DC in 1973 with his younger brother Angus, who has famously dressed as a schoolboy onstage for many years.
The band has previously survived the death of their singer when Bon Scott died in 1980 after a night of heavy drinking in London. He was replaced by Brian Johnson, who has remained as vocalist ever since.
They 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.
AC/DC’s songs were used as the soundtrack for the movie Iron Man2.
Their most recent release, 2008 chart-topper Black Ice, was only their third since 1990.
AC/DC founder Malcolm Young will not return to the band, after taking a break due to illness.
The band said “due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition” their new album Rock or Bust would be the first in AC/DC’s 41-year history not to feature Malcolm Young on the recordings.
A message on their website revealed the album would be released on December 2.
AC/DC also announced they will embark on a Rock or Bust world tour in 2015.
Stevie Young, the nephew of founding members Malcolm and Angus Young, will accompany the band on tour after playing rhythm guitar on the album.
“Earlier this year AC/DC released a statement explaining that due to illness, Malcolm would be taking a break from the band,” said the Australian rockers on September 24.
“Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition, he will not be returning to the band.”
AC/DC founding member Malcolm Young will not return to the band, after taking a break due to illness
The album will feature 11 new tracks recorded at Warehouse Studio in Vancouver this spring, produced by Brendan O’Brien.
AC/DC, who formed in 1973, are one of the highest-grossing rock acts of all time, selling more than 200 million albums.
In April this year, they were forced to deny rumors they were splitting up, putting out a statement saying: “The band will continue to make music.”
At the time they also confirmed Glasgow-born Malcolm Young would be taking a break after “forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC”.
They did not reveal details of his illness, but said: “Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support.”
AC/DC’s biggest-selling record has been 1980’s Back In Black – the first with singer Brian Johnson following the death of former lead singer Bon Scott from alcohol poisoning.
AC/DC have confirmed that they will not retire following news that guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break “due to ill health”.
It had been rumored the Australian rock band would split after a career spanning more than 40 years.
However, a statement on AC/DC’s website confirmed: “The band will continue to make music.”
AC/DC are one of the highest-grossing rock acts of all time, selling more than 200 million albums.
The band formed in Australia in 1973 and their biggest-selling record has been 1980’s Back In Black – the first with singer Brian Johnson after the death of former lead singer Bon Scott from alcohol poisoning.
They are noted for creating some of the best-known guitar riffs in the rock catalogue, accompanied by lyrics full of s**ual innuendo.
A message on the band’s website confirmed that Malcolm Young would be taking a break after “forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC”, but did not reveal details of his illness.
AC/DC have confirmed that they will not retire following news that Malcolm Young is taking a break due to ill health (photo Wikipedia)
“Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support,” said the band.
“In light of this news, AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family’s privacy be respected during this time.”
Frontman Brian Johnson elaborated on their plans in an interview with The Telegraph.
“We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver. We’re going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk, and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas. If anything happens, we’ll record it,” revealed Brian Johnson.
On the subject of touring he added: “I wouldn’t like to say anything either way about the future. I’m not ruling anything out.”
The Australian media had been awash with rumor and counter-rumor ahead of AC/DC’s announcement.
Glasgow-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young formed the band after moving to Australia with their family in the 1960s – Angus became famous for wearing a school uniform on stage.
AC/DC’s 15th international studio album, Black Ice, was an international hit following its release in 2008.
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