AC/DC’s ‘Spiritual Leader’ Malcolm Young Dies at 64

The "spiritual leader" and "spitfire" of AC/DC, one of the world’s most revered heavy rock bands, has died aged 64 following a long battle with dementia.

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Malcolm Young, the band’s Scottish-born co-founder and guitarist, died peacefully on Saturday surrounded by his family, an official statement said.

"Renowned for his musical prowess, Malcolm was a songwriter, guitarist, performer, producer and visionary who inspired many," the statement read.

"From the outset, he knew what he wanted to achieve and, along with his younger brother, took to the world stage giving their all at every show. Nothing less would do for their fans."

Malcolm and his brother Angus, the guitarist famed for dressing like a schoolboy and duck-walking across the stage like Chuck Berry, formed the band in 1973 after the family relocated to Sydney, Australia.

The band’s name was derived from the initials "AC/DC," which the brothers spotted on their mother’s sewing machine: an abbreviation meaning "alternating current/direct current" electricity.

A statement by Angus on the AC/DC website praises Malcolm's "enormous dedication and commitment" as "the driving force behind the band" who "always stuck to his guns and did and said exactly what he wanted."

"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."

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Malcolm, who along with Angus is credited as co-writer of every song AC/DC recorded between their 1975 debut High Voltage and 2014's Rock or Bust, created the powerful guitar riffs which propelled the band to international stardom.

He famously hated being in the studio, describing the experience in 1988 as "like being in prison," but concerts got the guitarist’s blood pumping. "There's nothing like playing on stage. If it's a good night, it's just like the first night. Same buzz. Same excitement."

AC/DC is estimated to have sold more than 200 million records worldwide. Their biggest hits include Back in Black, Highway to Hell, and You Shook Me All Night Long.

Singer Brian Johnson has described Malcolm as the band's "spiritual leader, our spitfire."

Other artists paying tribute included Slash, of Guns ‘n’ Roses, who told Rolling Stone magazine that Malcolm was "One of the best ever rhythm guitarists in rock n' roll. He was a fantastic songwriter and he had a great work ethic, too."

Eddie Van Halen tweeted that it was "a sad day in rock and roll. Malcolm Young was my friend and the heart and soul of AC/DC."

Tom Morello, of Rage Against The Machine, also tweeted his thanks to the "#1 greatest rhythm guitarist in the entire history of rock n roll. THANKYOU for everything."