Drum legend Chris Slade has revealed a lesser-known truth about AC/DC: the band was truly Malcolm Young’s. Though Angus Young and Brian Johnson often take center stage, Slade insists that Malcolm, the rhythm guitarist, was the driving force behind AC/DC.
In a recent interview with Igor Miranda, Slade praised Malcolm, calling him a “genius” and the best rhythm player he’s ever heard. He explained that Malcolm not only shaped the band’s sound but also made crucial decisions about everything from visuals to songwriting.
Slade emphasized that despite co-writing with Angus, Malcolm had a unique ability to seamlessly blend rhythm guitar with the rest of the band, making him an irreplaceable figure in AC/DC’s history.
While Slade’s tenure with the band is most associated with the 1990 Razor’s Edge album, his respect for Malcolm runs deep. Reflecting on the album, Slade highlighted “Thunderstruck” as a standout track, noting its blend of chant, hook, and iconic guitar riff.
At the time of recording, neither Slade nor the band realized the full impact the song would have. Yet, the process of carefully choosing the best takes and refining the sound paid off, turning “Thunderstruck” into one of AC/DC’s most iconic songs.
For Slade, Razor’s Edge was more than just another album—it was a testament to Malcolm Young’s genius and his ability to shape AC/DC’s timeless sound.
