AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young dies at 64

Malcolm Young, guitarist and founding member of AC/DC, has died, the band announced on its website Saturday morning. He was 64.

"Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young," the message said. "Malcolm, along with Angus, was the founder and creator of AC/DC. With enormous dedication and commitment he was the driving force behind the band. As a guitarist, songwriter, and visionary he was a perfectionist and a unique man. He always stuck to his guns and did and said exactly what he wanted."

Young and his brother, Angus, started AC/DC in their homeland of Australia in 1973. In 2014, the rhythm guitarist announced he was leaving the band for health reasons, later revealed to be dementia.

His family, including wife O'Linda and children Cara and Ross, was by his side as he passed.

"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," the note on the AC/DC website concluded. "He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever. Malcolm, job well done."

The band posted an additional message on its Facebook page: <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Facdc%2Fposts%2F10155864707247930&amp;width=500" width="500" height="294" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" class="" allowfullscreen="" resize="0" replace_attributes="1" name=""></iframe>

Young is survived by wife O'Linda, children Cara and Ross, three grandchildren, sister, and brother. A third Young brother, George, who worked with the band as a producer, died in October.