George Young, the Scottish-born guitarist for Aussie rock icons The Easybeats and a member of the Vanda & Young songwriting duo, has died.
In a statement, AC/DC — which consists of George’s younger brothers Malcolm and Angus Young — say they wouldn’t have formed had it not been for his guidance.
“It is with pain in our heart that we have to announce the passing of our beloved brother and mentor George Young,” they say.
“Without his help and guidance there would not have been an AC/DC. As a musician, songwriter, producer, advisor and much, much more, you could not ask for a more dedicated and professional man.
“As a brother, you could not ask for a finer brother. For all he did and gave to us throughout his life, we will always remember him with gratitude and hold him close to our hearts.
In a statement, Young’s Easybeats bandmate and Vanda & Young songwriting partner Harry Vanda says, “Dear George, rest in Peace my dear friend.”
During his career, Young co-produced releases by the likes of AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, The Angels and John Paul Young, and even played as AC/DC’s bass guitarist for a short time. He was inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame with Vanda in 1998, before The Easybeats were inducted in 2005.
The Easybeats’ frontman Stevie Wright passed away in 2015 at the age of 68, and now a new Aussie rock supergroup featuring members of Grinspoon, The Living End, Spiderbait, You Am I and more are set to tour Australia’s east coast in tribute to Wright and the band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBJLoYd8xak
