Easybeats Guitarist, Songwriter George Young Passes

Easybeats guitarist and songwriter George Young has died, it was announced Oct. 23. Young, brother of AC/DC’s guitarists Angus and Malcolm, was 70.

He migrated from Scotland to Sydney in the mid-’60s and, with four others in a migrant hostel, formed The Easybeats.

Playing to riotous crowds Down Under, the band relocated to London where they recorded a worldwide smash with “Friday On My Mind.”

After the band split in 1969, Young and creative partner Harry Vanda went on to produce early AC/DC albums and write and record more global hits including for John Paul Young (“Love Is In The Air”) and Stevie Wright (“Evie”) while Easybeats songs as “Good Times” and “Sorry” were staples for young U.S. and European garage bands.

In a Facebook post, AC/DC farewelled their “beloved brother and mentor,” adding, “Without his help and guidance there would not have been an AC/DC.”