SYDNEY, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Malcolm Young, guitarist and co-founder of Australian hard rock band AC/DC, died at the age of 64, the band announced Saturday on its Facebook page.
"It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of Malcolm Young, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother," read the band's post.
"Malcolm had been suffering from dementia for several years and passed away peacefully with his family by his side," said the post.
Malcolm, together with his brother Angus Young, formed the legendary rock band in Sydney in 1973. Malcolm and the other members of AC/DC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
"Renowned for his musical prowess Malcolm was a songwriter, guitarist, performer, producer and visionary who inspired many," said the post.
"He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever," the band noted in another post.
AC/DC has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, including 72 million albums in the United States, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
The band's breakthrough album Back in Black, released in 1980, is the world's second best-selling album, ranking only behind Michael Jackson's Thriller in some estimations.
