Over the last number of days, the world’s most popular Australian band, AC/DC, has been all over the news with rumors of an early retirement due to the health of one member. It turned out that the ill member of AC/DC is none other than one of the founding members, Malcolm Young, who needs to take a break from the band to focus on his health. Surprisingly, the band is not packing it in without him, which could cause great concern among its rabid fan base.
It is not uncommon for a band, even of AC/DC’s caliber, to switch up band members. In fact, over their forty-year history, the band has had over 15 different musicians. However, in the case of the Australian rockers, there reportedly is an agreement that if one member steps away, the band would fold. Considering that, it is shocking that the same report indicated that the band will continue to make music.
This, of course, leaves many fans and critics alike wondering who will play for Malcolm on the new disc. From all reports, it seems that not only is Malcolm Young ill, but he may not be physically able to perform for AC/DC live or in recordings, at least for the time being. This is why he has taken a leave of absence from the band. If this is the case, and if they are not to continue on with the founding member, it seems the only possibility is if his brother, Angus, records both guitar parts.
While it would relieve fans that Malcolm will not be replaced, the question is should the band record without him? After all, Malcolm, has been one of the key songwriters along with Angus and has been ever since the formation the band. In fact, it is hard to find a single song since Bon Scott passed that Malcolm did not have a part in creating.
This is not to say that Angus Young and Brian Johnson are incapable of writing a song without the veteran guitar player, but the chemistry of the three has been a part of the band for over thirty years. Breaking this creative process may end up hurting any new material, and considering their last album Black Ice was such a solid album, it would be a shame to end on a sub par album.
Apart from missing his influence in the songwriting department, he will also be missed in terms of the overall sound of the album. Sure, Angus can probably play a solid rhythm guitar in his brother’s absence, but will it have the same character? Most likely, not to the same extent. Additionally, and often overlooked aspect of the AC/DC sound, is Malcolm’s creaky backing vocals. This is not to say that the band is incapable of putting together a solid album without his vocals, but it will not have that same flavor fans are used to hearing.
At the end of the day, it is a sad thing to think of an AC/DC without the elder Young brother. For a band that has done it all, it seems to record an album without its leader, is an unnecessary end to a legendary career. Malcolm Young, just like the rest of the band, has been an essential part of the band, and if AC/DC are to finish with one last album, it needs to have Malcolm Young. Without him, the career of AC/DC may finish with a whimper, rather than the great success of the Black Ice album and tour cycle.
Opinion by Simon Mounsey
Sources:
Blabbermouth
Classic Rock Magazine
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2 Responses
The songs for the new album have already been written by Malcolm and Angus over the last few years. It will take them 6 weeks to record/mix/refine the sound. They will probably follow up with a simple 40 gig tour in which the nephew (Stevie Young) will replace Malcolm. After reading articles like this in 1980 when Bon died,
there is NO way that Malcolm would allow HIS band to crash after his illness. This is the last one for ACDC and Malcolm will take the band out on his terms which is to finish his work!!!!!!!
You make some really good points…
Selfishly, I would love to hear a new album and see them live (again). What AC/DC fan wouldn’t, right? But — over the years, it was really clear to me how big of a role Malcolm has with the band. Not just solid rythem guitar, backing vocals, song writing…but the unspoken ‘leader’ of the band. Brian and Angus always seem to be the out front voice – but they are the voice of what Malcolm has instilled in this band. Their philosophy, their soul.
I heard some of the recordings from the ’88 Tour with Stevie Young temporarily replacing Malcolm on the tour. While it sounded good — it was missing something. I’m not sure anyone, even Angus, could fill the void of Malcolm.
Lastly, I think you make a great point regarding the Black Ice album and subsequent tour. Those were both really fantastic. Leave on a high note with the ‘band’ intact. Ending with an album and mini-tour that didn’t have Malcolm just doesn’t seem like the right thing to do.