AC/DC Guitarist Malcolm Young Dies at 64

Members of the Australian rock band AC/DC after the Rock Walk handprint ceremony Sept. 15, 2000 at the Guitar Center in Hollywood, Calif. From left: Brian Johnson, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams, Angus Young, and Phil Rudd. Photo / Newsmakers

The co-founder of the heavy metal band AC/DC, Malcolm Young, has died at age 64.

The star, who had been suffering from dementia for several years died peacefully with his family by his bedside, they said in a statement.

“Renowned for his musical prowess Malcolm was a songwriter, guitarist, performer, producer, and visionary who inspired many.

“From the outset, he knew what he wanted to achieve and, along with his younger brother, took to the world stage giving their all at every show. Nothing less would do for their fans,” the statement read.

His death comes weeks after his older brother, George Young, a member of The Easybeats and producer for AC/DC died aged 70.

Band member Malcolm Young of the Australian rock band AC/DC on Sept. 15, 2000, at the Rock Walk handprint ceremony at the Guitar Center in Hollywood, Calif. Photo /Newsmakers

Malcolm Young last performed live with AC/DC in July 2010 in a concert in Spain, according to Rolling Stone.

The Young brothers were born in Glasgow, Scotland, before the whole family emigrated to Sydney, Australia, in the early ‘60s.

Band members Angus Young (L) and brother Malcolm Young of the Australian rock band AC/DC on Sept. 15, 2000, at the Rock Walk handprint ceremony at the Guitar Center in Hollywood, Calif. Photo /Newsmakers

Singer Brian Johnson(L) and Angus Young of AC/DC perform during their "Black Ice" Tour Opener on Oct. 28, 2008, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

An official statement posted on the band’s Facebook page also confirmed the news.

“With enormous dedication and commitment he was the driving force behind the band. As a guitarist, songwriter, and visionary he was a perfectionist and a unique man. He always stuck to his guns and did and said exactly what he wanted,” it read.

“He leaves behind an enormous legacy that will live on forever.”

He was the founder and creator of AC/DC along with his brother, Angus, and is known for creating songs such as “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell.”

Angus and Malcolm (R) Young, founding members of AC/DC, flank Jose Luis Perez, mayor of the Madrid district of Leganes, following the inauguration of a new street with the group's name, in Leganes, Spain, on March 22, 2000. Reuters/Andrew Comas

Tributes have poured in on social media for the star.

American musician Dave Mustaine tweeted, “I have to go...I am losing it that Malcolm is gone. I hate this...”

The Twitter account “The Sunday Rock Show” wrote, “his riffs and rhythms were the backbone of the band.”