Malcolm Young was the backbone of one of the greatest bands of all time, so it’s not shocking that many people throughout the rock world paid tribute to the iconic rhythm guitarist.
Here’s just a sample of the posts from social media saluting Young.
Eddie Van Halen on Twitter
It is a sad day in rock and roll. Malcolm Young was my friend and the heart and soul of AC/DC. I had some of the best times of my life with him on our 1984 European tour. He will be missed and my deepest condolences to his family, bandmates and friends.
Tom Morello on Twitter
Rest in rock power AC/DC's #MalcolmYoung, #1 greatest rhythm guitarist in the entire history of rock n roll. THANKYOU for everything.
Ozzy Osbourne on Twitter
So sad to learn of the passing of yet another friend, Malcolm Young. He will be sadly missed. God Bless @ACDC
Geezer Butler on Twitter
Sad news about Malcolm Young. Dementia is such a horrible disease.
Paul Stanley on Twitter
The driving engine of AC/DC has died.A tragic end for a sometimes unsung icon. One of the true greats. RIP. https://t.co/cJe1Xr17IA
Def Leppard on Twitter
I'm sad to hear of the passing of Malcolm Young. It was great to get the opportunity to open for AC/DC on the Highway To Hell tour & we certainly learned a thing or two. He was an incredible guitar player & the glue for that band onstage & off.
The Boogie Knight Returns on Twitter
No. No no no no no no DAMNIT. ???????? https://t.co/K3l9pejeic
I don't think anybody would debate me when I say that #MalcolmYoung was the greatest rhythm guitar player of all time. And one of the best riff writers in rock history. @acdc is the GREATEST rock n roll band ever and Malcolm was the driving force behind them. Thanks for everything Mal.... we salute you. #RIPMalcolmYoung
6,445 Likes, 75 Comments - Chris Jericho (@chrisjerichofozzy) on Instagram: "I don't think anybody would debate me when I say that #MalcolmYoung was the greatest rhythm guitar..."
RIP Malcolm Young. Thank you for showing us how to rock, for giving us so much incredible music. A cornerstone of AC/DC and rock n' roll itself has been lost.
422 Likes, 7 Comments - Rock On The Range (@rockontherange) on Instagram: "RIP Malcolm Young. Thank you for showing us how to rock, for giving us so much incredible music. A..."
Monsters Of Rock® on Twitter
So sad waking up to the news of Malcolm Young's passing! There was never a greater rhythm guitar player! Rest In Peace Mr Young ???????? You will be missed! #RIP
Premier Guitar on Twitter
We are sad to report that the legendary Malcolm Young of @acdc has passed away. Our thoughts are with Angus and the Young family. #ThankYouMal
Gus G. on Twitter
RIP Malcolm Young, co-founder Of the greatest Rock n Roll band ever.
Jesse Fink on Twitter
Malcolm Young built more than a rock band. It was a colossus of world culture. RIP
Jake Tapper on Twitter
AC/DC - Highway to Hell (Official Video) https://t.co/YYsfdFgk8R via @YouTube
Dave Mustaine on Twitter
I have to go...I am losing it that Malcolm is gone. I hate this...
Zac Brown Band on Twitter
It's sad to hear of Malcolm Young's passing. He was the heart, soul, & velvet hammer of AC/DC. We'll definitely miss him.
marc maron on Twitter
RIP Malcolm Young! That killer rhythm was all his and pure rock!
WWE on Twitter
@WWE is saddened to learn that Malcolm Young, guitarist and co-founder of the iconic band AC/DC, has passed away at the age of 64. https://t.co/ELWRm7qRXQ
Michael McKean on Twitter
Damn. https://t.co/f3y26dx01k
Mike Portnoy ???? on Twitter
Wow...just got off stage here in Brisbane Australia (of all places) to the shocking news of Malcolm Young's passing. So sad...one of the great rhythm guitar players of all time. (James Hetfield and Scott Ian would be the 1st to say so themselves...) #RIPMalcolmYoung
This is a monumentally sad day in Rock n Roll. RIP #MalcomYoung Take a moment of silence in his memory.
53.7k Likes, 997 Comments - Slash (@slash) on Instagram: "This is a monumentally sad day in Rock n Roll. RIP #MalcomYoung Take a moment of silence in his..."
David Coverdale on Twitter
Our Thoughts & Prayers Are With His Family, Friends & Fans...Great Guy ...A Pleasure To Know...Truly Missed, Malcolm...XX https://t.co/1ECM7urBN8
Duff McKagan on Twitter
Sincerest condolences going out to the Young family today. Malcolm Young sadly passing too soon. Love ya Angus!
Charlie Benante on Twitter
While most of the world goes on with the day, many of us are mourning the loss of the great #malcolmyoung . I can't tell you how much joy he and @acdc have brought me. This is a legend, a real legend.lets all remember him not just today but every day ???? Mal Rules!!
WARRANT on Twitter
malcomyoung RIP at a loss for words to properly express how huge his influence was on me and hard rock ???????? we salute you now and forever
MichaelSweet Stryper on Twitter
So sorry to hear about the passing of Malcolm Young. I grew up on AC⚡️DC and always admired his playing. RIP and Godspeed my friend????
Ryan Adams on Twitter
RIP Malcolm Young Legend. He was the founding member of AC/DC & the engine that roared behind the most powerful band in the world. He wrote Back In Black, Highway to Hell, You Shook Me All Night Long, Highway to Hell, so many songs... Travel safely to the stars, Malcolm.
Bryan Adams on Twitter
RIP Malcolm Young. Your guitar playing was a huge inspiration. Thanks for that #malcolmyoung #ACDC
Joe Satriani on Twitter
R.I.P. Malcolm Young
Ginger Wildheart on Twitter
Just landed in Paris and heard about Malcolm Young passing away. He was the reason I wanted to play rhythm guitar. Toured with him and he was genuinely lovely. The world has lost a true champion.
Bernie Marsden on Twitter
So sad to hear of the passing of Malcolm Young. I have so many fond memories of him from my days on the road with AC/DC. I always found him interesting and good company and he was the heart and engine of that great AC/DC show.
Dropkick Murphys on Twitter
We are deeply saddened to have heard the news of the passing of Malcolm Young from AC/DC. Malcolm was the heart and soul of AC/DC and as fine an example as any to rhythm guitarists everywhere. Rock In Peace, Malcolm. Hope we see you up there. Love Dropkick Murphys
Brent Smith on Twitter
Pick up your balls, and light up your cannon, for a 21 guns salute" We love you Sir... Thank you... for everything. R.I.P. Malcom Young https://t.co/n2in1CAfhX
Nickelback on Twitter
Rest well, Malcolm. We salute you. #MalcolmYoung #ACDC
Jason Hook on Twitter
Today we lost one of the true greats. Malcolm, your contribution to Rock 'n Roll is... https://t.co/g5DeRTCaKM
Robert DeLeo on Twitter
If anyone is wanting to learn guitar please listen to this. The world will be a better place. Thank you Malcolm. https://t.co/rPvcRTJCG0
Robert DeLeo on Twitter
Isn't this where it started for so many of us learning rock guitar? 1 of my all time favorite rhythm players. RIP Mal
Malcolm had an intensely powerful, percussive and economic style of playing that made him the greatest rhythm guitarist of all time. His uncanny ability to wring only the necessary notes out of his Gretsch was what made AC/DC - his riffs, feel and tone the soul of that band. What he means to me is unquantifiable. I am a rhythm guitarist because of Malcolm Young, he lives with me always and I hope to honor the man and his legacy every time I play. And now I'm going to crank Riff Raff and play along. My condolences to his family and friends. Cheers and RIP Malcolm Young. Tattoo by @thekatvond
8,042 Likes, 106 Comments - Scott Ian (@scottianthrax) on Instagram: "Malcolm had an intensely powerful, percussive and economic style of playing that made him the..."
Lars Ulrich on Twitter
Malcolm, Thank you for being an integral part of the soundtrack to my life. Your music is the definition of timeless and inspiring. RIP.
Tony Iommi on Twitter
I'm sorry to hear about Malcolm Young, a fine player.
Disturbed on Twitter
No words... ...just tears. Rest in Power Malcolm Young. @acdc
Zakk Wylde on Twitter
GOD BLESS MALCOLM YOUNG - 1953 - 2O17 tBLSt SDMF
Erica Banas is rock/classic rock news blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.