Malcolm Young Net Worth: A Look at the Late AC/DC Guitarist’s Life, Career, and Legacy
Malcolm Young, the co-founder and rhythm guitarist of Australian rock band AC/DC, made an indelible mark in the music industry with his iconic riffs and sharp musicality. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Young grew up in Sydney, Australia and went on to create a sound that was distinct, recognizable, and timeless. He played a monumental role in shaping the band’s sound and contributing to their global success. In this article, we will take a closer look at Malcolm Young’s net worth, early life, career, personal life, illness, real estate, legacy, and answer some frequently asked questions about the legendary musician.
What is Malcolm Young’s Net Worth and Salary?
Malcolm Young’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million as of 2021. His earnings mostly come from his career as a musician and songwriter. As a member of AC/DC, Young earned a considerable fortune from album sales, tours, and licensing deals. He co-wrote several of the band’s biggest hits, including “Highway to Hell,” “Back in Black,” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.”
In 2003, AC/DC was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands in history. The band continued to tour and release new music until 2014, and their popularity shows no sign of waning.
Early Life and Education
Malcolm Mitchell Young was born on January 6, 1953, in Glasgow, Scotland. He was the youngest of eight siblings and grew up in a musical family. His parents, William and Margaret Young, were both musicians and had emigrated to Australia when Malcolm was ten years old.
Malcolm dropped out of school at the age of 15 to pursue a career in music. Along with his younger brother Angus, Malcolm started his first band called Marcus Hook Roll Band in the early 1970s before forming AC/DC in 1973.
Career
Malcolm Young co-founded AC/DC with his brother Angus in 1973, and the band released their debut album “High Voltage” in 1975. The band’s popularity soared with the release of their fifth studio album “Highway to Hell” in 1979, which became a massive commercial success. However, tragedy struck when lead singer Bon Scott died of alcohol poisoning in 1980.
The band regrouped and found a new lead singer, Brian Johnson, and returned to the studio to record their most famous album “Back in Black” in 1980. The album became a massive hit, and the band rose to international fame, cementing their place in rock history.
Malcolm Young was known for his uncompromising approach to music, his steadfast work ethic, and his ability to create catchy, memorable riffs. He was the backbone of AC/DC’s sound and contributed significantly to the band’s success over the years.
Personal Life
Malcolm Young was a private person who kept his personal life out of the public eye. He was married to Linda Young, with whom he had two children. He was said to be a devoted family man who prioritized spending time with his wife and children.
In 2014, it was announced that Malcolm was taking a break from the band due to ill health. It was later confirmed that he had been diagnosed with dementia, which forced him to retire from music and focus on his health.
Illness and Death
Malcolm Young passed away on November 18, 2017, at the age of 64. He had been battling dementia for several years and eventually succumbed to the disease. The news of his death was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and musicians alike. AC/DC released a statement, saying that Malcolm was a “visionary who inspired many,” and that his legacy would live on in his music.
Real Estate
Malcolm Young was a private person who kept his personal life out of the public eye, and there is very little information available about his real estate holdings.
Legacy
Malcolm Young’s legacy is one of great musical accomplishment. He co-founded one of the most successful and well-loved rock bands in history and was instrumental in shaping their sound and style. His endlessly memorable riffs and tasteful playing continue to inspire guitarists and musically-inclined individuals around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What made Malcolm Young such a legendary guitarist?
Malcolm Young was known for his ability to write catchy, melodic riffs and for his precise, rhythmic playing style. He also had a unique sound that was recognizably his own, owing in part to his use of relatively simple equipment and playing techniques. His dedication to his craft and his hardworking ethos were also instrumental in making him a legendary guitarist.
2. What was Malcolm Young’s role in AC/DC?
Malcolm Young was a co-founder and rhythm guitarist of Australian rock band AC/DC. He played a significant role in shaping the band’s sound, co-writing many of their biggest hits and contributing greatly to their success over the course of his career.
3. What inspired Malcolm Young’s music?
Malcolm Young’s music was inspired by a wide range of influences, including blues, rock, and roll, and R&B. He was also influenced by the music of Chuck Berry, who had a significant impact on many rock guitarists of the time.
4. What kind of guitar did Malcolm Young play?
Malcolm Young was known for playing a Gretsch Jet Firebird guitar. He was also known for his use of a Marshall JTM45 amplifier, which was a staple of his sound.
5. Did Malcolm Young ever win any awards for his music?
Malcolm Young was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 as a member of AC/DC. The band has also won numerous awards over the years, including several Grammy Awards.
6. What is the most famous song Malcolm Young co-wrote?
Malcolm Young co-wrote many of AC/DC’s most famous songs, but perhaps the most well-known is “Back in Black,” which was the title track of the band’s 1980 album.
7. Did Malcolm Young have any health issues?
Malcolm Young was diagnosed with dementia in 2014, which forced him to retire from music and focus on his health. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 64.
8. What is Malcolm Young’s net worth?
Malcolm Young’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million as of 2021. His earnings mostly come from his career as a musician and songwriter, primarily from his time as a member of AC/DC.
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