AC/DC’s Angus Young on decline of his late brother Malcolm from dementia

Guitarist of legendary Australian rock band AC/DC, Malcolm Young, passed away at age 64 in November 2017 after a three-year battle with dementia.

Appearing on Sunday’s episode of Australian 60 Minutes, an emotional Angus Young spoke about his brother’s decline in health, after Malcolm’s retirement from the band in 2014. 

Angus, 65, who co-founded AC/DC with Malcolm, said the ‘hardest part was not so much him passing’, but rather watching his deterioration. 

‘The hardest part was not so much him passing’: An emotional Angus Young, 65, of legendary Australian rock band AC/DC, said on Sunday’s Australian 60 Minutes (pictured) that watching the decline of his late brother Malcolm Young from dementia was the ‘worst’

‘I think the hardest part was not so much him passing because that was a kind of end, the relief. I think the worst part’s the decline,’ Angus explained to journalist Allison Langdon.

‘That’s the hard part, because of how you knew him and then to see that that was gone.’ 

The Scottish-born star went on to reveal that despite his brother’s deteriorating health, certain aspects of his personality still remained. 

Three-year battle: Malcolm, who was the guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC, passed away at age 64 in November 2017 after a three-year battle with dementia. Malcolm is pictured on the left with Angus in 1988

Three-year battle: Malcolm, who was the guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC, passed away at age 64 in November 2017 after a three-year battle with dementia. Malcolm is pictured on the left with Angus in 1988 

Understandably emotional: 'I think the worst part's the decline,' Angus explained to journalist Allison Langdon. 'That's the hard part, because of how you knew him and then to see that that was gone'

Understandably emotional: ‘I think the worst part’s the decline,’ Angus explained to journalist Allison Langdon. ‘That’s the hard part, because of how you knew him and then to see that that was gone’ 

‘I would say, even to the end, he was still… if I was there, he had a big smile. And I think that was probably… that always gave me a kind of joy. 

‘Even though he was in that state, that was always the joy,’ he continued.  

Following Malcolm’s death in 2017, AC/DC released a statement that said: ‘Today it is with deep sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young.  

‘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. 

Bond: Angus went on to reveal that despite his brother's deteriorating health, certain aspects of his personality still remained. They are pictured together in 1992

Bond: Angus went on to reveal that despite his brother’s deteriorating health, certain aspects of his personality still remained. They are pictured together in 1992

‘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. 

‘He took great pride in all that he endeavoured. His loyalty to the fans was unsurpassed.’ 

Angus also said at the time: ‘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. 

‘He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever. Malcolm, job well done.’ 

Reflection: 'I would say, even to the end, he was still... if I was there, he had a big smile. And I think that was probably... that always gave me a kind of joy,' Angus said. Malcolm is pictured in 2009

Reflection: ‘I would say, even to the end, he was still… if I was there, he had a big smile. And I think that was probably… that always gave me a kind of joy,’ Angus said. Malcolm is pictured in 2009

Funeral: Angus is pictured with his guitar leaving Malcolm's funeral service in November 2017

Funeral: Angus is pictured with his guitar leaving Malcolm’s funeral service in November 2017

AC/DC was formed in Sydney in 1973 by Angus and Malcolm, and they are best known for hits including Thunderstruck, Highway To Hell and Hells Bells.   

The band consists of Angus on lead guitar, Phil Rudd on drums, Cliff Williams on bass guitar, Brian Johnson on lead vocals and Stevie Young on rhythm guitar.

Former band members are Dave Evans on lead vocals, Bon Scott on lead vocals, Mark Evans on bass guitar, Simon Wright on drums and Chris Slade on drums. 

Their latest album Power Up was released this week and is their first album since Malcolm’s death.  

Legendary: AC/DC was formed in Sydney in 1973 by Angus and Malcolm, and they are best known for hits including Thunderstruck, Highway To Hell and Hells Bells. Pictured in 2011 from L to R: Malcolm, Cliff Williams, Angus (centre), and Brian Johnson

Legendary: AC/DC was formed in Sydney in 1973 by Angus and Malcolm, and they are best known for hits including Thunderstruck, Highway To Hell and Hells Bells. Pictured in 2011 from L to R: Malcolm, Cliff Williams, Angus (centre), and Brian Johnson