AC/DC Founder Malcolm Young Suffering From Dementia – Report
Malcolm Young is said to be suffering from dementia. The AC/DC founder has retired from the band after suffering from undisclosed illness, and it’s been claimed that he has been moved into full-time care in a nursing home in Sydney.
Earlier this week, the Australian rock icons announced the release of their new album “Rock or Bust” in December. They also announced Young’s permanent departure from the band, just a few months after the band said he would just be taking a break from the band.
It will be their first album in 41 years without Young on the recordings.
“Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition, he will not be returning to the band. AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of ‘Rock or Bust’ in 2015. Stevie Young, nephew of founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, plays rhythm guitar on ‘Rock or Bust’ and will accompany the band on tour,” the group wrote on its Web site.
Read: AC/DC Announces New Album, Malcolm Young’s Retirement
Young’s illness was announced in April, but they refused to divulge what it is exactly he is suffering from.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Young, 61, has dementia. He is now checked in the Lulworth House in Elizabeth Bay, a facility that provides treatment to sufferers of the degenerative disease.
“If you were in the room with [Malcolm Young] and walked out, then came back in one minute later, he wouldn’t remember who you are. He has a complete loss of short-term memory. His wife, Linda, has put him in full-time care,” a source told the paper.
The Scottish-born Australian guitarist founded AC/DC with Angus in 1973. From then on, the band has accumulated numerous awards and acclaims, selling more than 200 million albums. The current line-up includes Phil Ruff, Cliff Williams and Brian Johnson.