AC/DC’s Malcolm Young has announced that he is stepping down from performing with the band owing to ill health. In a message posted on AC/DC’s Facebook, the band wrote: "After forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health. Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support. In light of this news, AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family’s privacy be respected during this time. The band will continue to make music."
Young has played rhythm guitar in the band since co-founding it with his brother and lead guitarist Angus, vocalist Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt and drummer Colin Burgess in 1973. The Facebook message casts doubt on recent rumours that Young’s retirement would lead the group to disband, realising a reported pact the band had made to call time if a member was forced to leave. As it stands, the band have studio time booked next month, presumably to work on material for their follow-up to 2008’s Black Ice album. Have a watch of the band’s video for ‘For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)’ below:
