14 DAY TRIAL // Malcolm Young is a guitarist of rock band AC/DC, as well as one of the co-founders, along with his brother Angus. The aging rocker has been at the heart of a scandal earlier this year that saw the band retire from making music and touring. Sources claimed that he was diagnosed with a unspecified illness that left him unable to play.
The rumors that the band was retiring turned out to be false, but they were related to a standing agreement the members of the band had made years ago that specified that if any of the members were left unable to play or simply quit the band, the others would not continue to make music without him.
Malcolm Young retired from the band, AC/DC plans to move on without him
It seems that the agreement was suspended for Young because the band has recently announced that the guitarist was indeed stepping down from the lineup but that they would be going on without him. AC/DC have recently announced a new album “Rock or Bust” and a new world tour to support it.
Today, it's been revealed by sources close to Young's family that the aging rocker is suffering from dementia. The sources told Sydney Morning Herald that Young was moved to a full-time nursing home that specializes in dealing with patients afflicted by dementia.
Dementia has affected Young's short term memory
The 61-year-old rocker's condition has been described by people close to him, “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.”
Michael Browning, the former manager for AC/DC is quoted as saying “I have friends that are still involved and they keep me posted so I have known for a little while. I think it [Malcolm's illness] came on very suddenly.”
Young is getting replaced by his young nephew Stevie
The band have already made plans to replace Young, but they are keeping it in the family, as they have enlisted the help of Stevie Young, Malcolm's nephew, to play rhythm guitar on the tour and on the album as well.
Browning points out that it's going to be a difficult transition for the band since Malcolm was one of the creative motors behind the AC/DC success and he was a really talented guitarist in the recording booth as well as on stage. Stevie might cut it on live performances, but the band has definitely lost at least a part of their creative spirit in the studio.