In 1988, AC/DC faced one of the toughest moments in their career. While touring for their 11th album, Blow Up Your Video, the band hit a major hurdle. Malcolm Young, one of the band’s founding members, announced he needed to step back. With other band members distracted by personal issues, including divorces and side projects, AC/DC faced a dilemma. The band needed a replacement to cover Malcolm’s essential rhythm guitar parts, and Angus Young, the band’s lead guitarist and Malcolm’s brother, knew exactly who could fill the void.
Malcolm’s departure was a blow of monumental proportions for AC/DC. His rhythm guitar playing was the bedrock of their sound. Much like Keith Richards to The Rolling Stones, Malcolm’s contributions were irreplaceable. He and Angus were the driving force behind AC/DC, and his mix of rhythm and lead guitar was what set their sound apart. “Malcolm was one of the greatest riff masters and rhythm guitar players of all time,” Keith Richards once said, and it was this unique approach that made him indispensable.
However, in 1988, Malcolm was battling alcoholism and needed to take a break for his health. The question arose: who could possibly replace him? By this point, AC/DC was one of the biggest rock bands in the world. They had the pick of the litter when it came to potential replacements, but true to their underdog spirit, they chose someone unexpected—someone from within their own family.
In an inspired move, Angus and the band brought in Stevie Young, Malcolm’s nephew, to cover his uncle’s parts. Stevie was no stranger to AC/DC’s music. He had learned directly from Malcolm, and his playing style mirrored his uncle’s. Angus explained, “Stevie picked up on what Malcolm did rhythm-wise. He enjoyed rhythm more than anything else, just like Malcolm, and that’s how he applied himself.”
The family connection wasn’t just about keeping things close-knit—it was about trust and reliability, especially during such a tumultuous period. Angus knew Stevie had the skill to perform at the band’s high standards and that he could provide the consistency the band needed at that critical time.
In 2017, after Malcolm’s tragic passing, Stevie stepped into his uncle’s shoes permanently. The loss of Malcolm was devastating, but having Stevie, a family member, close by offered a sense of comfort. Angus, ever determined to keep his brother’s legacy alive, shared, “Nothing could replace Malcolm, but Stevie can certainly do the role. He knows how it should be.” With that, AC/DC was able to honor Malcolm’s memory and carry on with a familiar face, continuing the band’s legacy of powerhouse rock.
Through Stevie, the Young family’s influence on AC/DC lived on, ensuring that the rhythm that once defined the band would remain at the forefront of their sound.
