Malcolm Young

1953-2017

Hearing the news of the passing of Malcolm Young prompted me to remember the first time I saw them.

I was watching The Old Grey Whistle Test on TV eagerly waiting to see The Sensational Alex Harvey Band who were my favourite band. I was really upset that Alex Harvey was unable to make it (I think he had a bit of a drink problem). I would have been happy to see Zal and the boys play without him but the OGWT got another band to play in their place at the last minute.

AC/DC? Never heard of them! Thought I would watch anyway as I had nothing better to do.

From the first song I was hooked, I loved the songs, the singer was charismatic and amazing guitarist (Angus) and his head banging solos. After a few songs Angus vanished, whilst still playing the guitar and emerged on the balcony. He then jumped up on the the barrier and played a stonking lead and still head banging all the time.

Malcolm impressed me too as a rhythm guitarist. Although he didn’t move much, and dressed in jeans and plain white T shirt and all eyes were on Bon and Angus, he played a thumping and pounding backing guitar that didn’t miss a beat with his Gretsch Jet Firebird.

I had only just started playing guitar at that time and was star struck with Angus and his Gibson SG and have been a lifelong fan of the group.

If you want Blood album nearly worn out and I bought the CD too!

Unfortunately Malcolm contracted dementia and has now passed on but he has left a lasting legacy of great music and enjoyed a life most would dream of.

I, like thousands of others, will miss him and our thoughts go to his friends and family.