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Angus and Malcolm Young closer after dementia diagnosis


Angus Young has grown closer to his brother Malcolm since he was diagnosed with dementia.

The 61-year-old rocker was forced to leave their group AC/DC earlier this year after being gripped by the condition – which causes memory loss and confusion – but his younger sibling and bandmate was "surprised" at how much he wanted to plan for the ‘Back in Black’ star before he was unable to continue.

Angus, 59, said: "His symptoms started around the ‘Black Ice Tour’ [during 2008-2010] but he said he wanted to continue. I kept asking him if he wanted to go on and he did.

"Then when he’d seen a few different people and was diagnosed, he said he would go on with the band for as long as he could play. He did very well."

Did it make us closer? Yes for sure. Even when he was ill. When touring he didn’t have great days. So I’d sit with him and we’d talk.

"He’d surprise me, by talking about things such as how we should do some open-air shows. But then he’s always been our leader and it was just good to have that feedback."

Though Malcolm – who is now in a full-time nursing home in Sydney, Australia – gave his blessing for the band to continue and has been replaced on rhythm guitar by his nephew Stevie Young, the group found it "hard" recording new album ‘Rock or Bust’ without him.

Guitarist Angus told The Sun newspaper: "We missed Malcolm from the very start. Especially when we’ve got tough decisions to make.

"But I’m pleased he got to hear the album. One of my other nephews in Australia took the record in for him to hear. And he loved it.

"My nephew said Malcolm was happy and had a big smile on his face. That was very moving to hear."