The Heartbreaking Battle Against Dementia: How Music Helped Malcolm Young
For over four decades, Malcolm Young was the rhythm guitarist for the iconic Australian hard rock band AC/DC. His stripped-down, raw approach to creating holy riffs was a key element in the band's success. Young's unfussy riff economics and his brother Angus' electric fretwork allowed them to dominate the 1970s and early 1980s, paving the way for the new wave of British heavy metal while maintaining a strong pop accessibility. The band's commercial success was evident in their 1980 album, 'Back in Black', which remains the second-best-selling album of all time.
However, Young's life took a tragic turn when he was diagnosed with lung cancer during the Black Ice World Tour, and later, in 2014, he was officially diagnosed with dementia. This condition affected his concentration and ability to remember riffs, leading to his retirement from the band. His brother Angus revealed that Young had to relearn many things, but he remained a confident guy and they made it work.
Young's love for music never faded, and he was still able to enjoy his favorite artists, such as Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. His connection to rock's essential elements was evident in his music, and his influence on the genre is undeniable. Young's dementia eventually took his life in November 2017, but his legacy lives on through his music and the impact he had on the world of rock and roll.
