With rumors swirling about the departure of rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young from AC/DC, the band he started over 40 years ago, the Young family (which also includes brother Angus, the band’s lead guitarist) released a statement today confirming fans’ fears. “Malcolm is suffering from dementia and the family thanks you for respecting their privacy,” the quote (via People) reads. He will not be returning to the band.
In spite of this tragic news, the band is continuing on without their founding member. In the proud classic rock tradition of only replacing core members with younger relatives, they recorded upcoming album Rock or Bust with Malcolm and Angus’ nephew Stevie Young taking over rhythm guitar duties, and Little Stevie (actually 58 years old, only three years behind Uncle Malcolm) will also accompany the band on their upcoming world tour.
In the meantime, fans will have the opportunity to get comically overexposed to one of their new tracks, single “Play Ball,” via the MLB Playoffs, which start tonight and are using “Ball” in their postseason advertising. Cold comfort for the Youngs and longtime AC/DC devotees, but the band looks to remain as massive as ever as 2014 winds to a close.
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