Malcolm Young is a musician that has retired.
Malcolm Mitchell Young ( born 6 January 1953 ) is an Australian retired musician and songwriter , best known as a co-founder , rhythm guitarist , backing vocalist and songwriter for the hard rock band AC/DC . Except for a brief absence in 1988 , he was with the band from its November 1973 beginning until retiring permanently in 2014 , due to health reasons . He also added that despite his retirement from the band , AC/DC was determined to continue making music with his blessing . In September 2014 , the band 's management announced that he would be retiring permanently .