AC/DC’s Malcolm Young: The Complete 1983 “Guitar Player“ Interview

Malcolm Young is among the most admired and influential rhythm guitarists in hard-rock history. As AC/DC’s the chief chordsmith and co-songwriter, he helped set the band’s musical direction and his opinions in the studio meant a great deal to his brother Angus. When AC/DC came to San Francisco to play the Cow Palace during their 1983 “Flick of the Switch“ tour, I had an opportunity to do separate interviews with both of the Scottish-born brothers. I spoke with Angus first, and was surprised to learn that he considered Malcolm the superior guitarist. As Angus explained, “I’m just like a color over the top. He’s the solid thing. His right hand is always going. In that field, I don’t anyone can do what he does. He’s very clean. He’s very hard. It’s an attack. He’s got his own style and his own sound.” You can hear the complete Angus Young interview here: Edited versions of my interviews with Angus and Malcolm Young were published as Guitar Player magazine’s Feb. 1984 cover story. Malcolm continued to play with AC/DC until 2014. He withdrew from the band due to ill health – a bout with lung cancer, heart problems, and early onset dementia. He passed away in 2017. In all, Malcolm had spent 41 years playing in AC/DC. Here’s the complete audio of our conversation. Malcolm Young photo courtesy the Gretsch company. I hope you enjoy this unique, never-before-released recording. To help us continue producing podcasts, hit that donate button and send some support our way: Thank you. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for enhancing the sound of the 40-year-old master tape. Be sure to check out the other historic interviews on the Talking Guitar YouTube channel. For dozens more guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at #AC/DC #malcolmyoung #angusyoung #rhythmguitar #heavymetal #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazine This podcast is copyright 2023 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.