AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young is the latest musician to be diagnosed with dementia.
The news follows closely on the Alzheimer’s announcement recently of Spirit of the West’s John Mann.
According to The Telegraph, Malcolm Young has left the band and is to be replaced by his nephew, Stevie Young. Stevie plays rhythm guitar on new album Rock or Bust and will accompany the band on tour.
A message on the Australian band’s website said they would go on without Malcolm and that Rock or Bust will still be released in December.
The statement said: “Unfortunately, due to the nature of Malcolm’s condition, he will not be returning to the band. AC/DC will undertake a world tour in support of Rock or Bust in 2015.”
According to other media outlets, Young is being treated for dementia in a Sydney nursing facility. The 61-year-old guitarist was moved into the full-time care facility after suffering a stroke last year.
A family friend told the Sydney Morning Herald, ”If you were in the room with [Malcolm Young] and walked out, then came back in one minute later, he wouldn’t remember who you are. He has a complete loss of short-term memory. His wife, Linda, has put him in full-time care.”
“He definitely won’t be able to perform live,” Choirboys frontman Mark Gable, a family frirend, said on ABC Radio earlier this year. “He will probably not be able to record.”
AC/DC have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide, creating anthems such as Highway To Hell and Back In Black.