Malcolm Young's Net Worth: AC/DC Legend's Fortune Revealed In 2025.
Malcolm Young, co-founder and rhythm guitarist of AC/DC, was the backbone of one of rock's most enduring bands. His tight, driving riffs and songwriting partnership with brother Angus Young defined the band's sound. Throughout his career, Malcolm collaborated with iconic musicians like Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, contributing to AC/DC's global success.
Early Life
Born on January 6, 1953, in Glasgow, Scotland, Malcolm Mitchell Young emigrated to Australia with his family in 1963. Settling in Sydney, the Young family nurtured a musical environment, with older brother George Young achieving success with The Easybeats. Malcolm followed suit, eventually forming AC/DC with his younger brother Angus in 1973.
Career
Formation and Rise of AC/DC
AC/DC's early years saw Malcolm's rhythm guitar work laying the foundation for the band's hard-hitting sound. Collaborating with lead guitarist Angus and vocalist Bon Scott, the band released albums like High Voltage and Highway to Hell, gaining international acclaim.
Continued Success and Legacy
After Bon Scott's untimely death in 1980, AC/DC recruited Brian Johnson, leading to the release of Back in Black, one of the best-selling albums of all time. Malcolm's songwriting and rhythm guitar remained central to the band's identity, contributing to albums like The Razors Edge and Black Ice. He retired from the band in 2014 due to health issues but left behind a legacy of timeless rock anthems.
Personal Life
Malcolm Young was known for his private nature, often shying away from the spotlight. He married Linda Young, and the couple had two children, Cara and Ross. Despite his fame, Malcolm preferred a low-key lifestyle, focusing on family and music. He battled health issues later in life, including dementia, which led to his retirement from AC/DC. Malcolm passed away on November 18, 2017, at the age of 64, leaving behind a profound impact on the music world.
Real Estate
Malcolm Young's real estate holdings reflected his success and appreciation for comfortable living. He owned a home in the Sydney suburb of Balmain, purchased in 1982 for $870,000, which was valued at up to $30 million as of 2018. In 2016, he and his wife acquired a beachfront property in Palm Beach for over $10 million. These properties not only provided luxurious living spaces but also served as investments that contributed to his substantial net worth.
How Rich Was Malcolm Young When He Died?
At the time of his death in 2017, Malcolm Young's net worth was estimated at $100 million. This wealth was accumulated through decades of album sales, touring revenue, and songwriting royalties. His contributions to AC/DC's success ensured a lasting financial legacy.
How Did We Calculate His Net Worth?
Malcolm Young's net worth estimation is based on several key factors:
. Album Sales: AC/DC sold over 200 million albums worldwide, with Back in Black alone accounting for 50 million copies.
. Touring Revenue: The band's tours consistently ranked among the highest-grossing, with the Black Ice tour grossing over $500 million.
. Songwriting Royalties: As a primary songwriter, Malcolm earned substantial royalties from AC/DC's extensive catalog.
. Real Estate Investments: His properties in Sydney contributed significantly to his overall wealth.
Sources such as Forbes and Celebrity Net Worth corroborate these financial assessments.
How Much Money Did Malcolm Young Make a Year?
While exact annual earnings varied, during peak years, Malcolm Young's income from album sales, touring, and royalties was estimated to be in the range of $10 million to $20 million. Even in years without active touring, his songwriting royalties provided a steady income stream.
What Is Malcolm Young's Highest Grossing Song?
"Back in Black" stands as AC/DC's highest-grossing song, with the album of the same name selling over 50 million copies worldwide. Malcolm's co-writing credits on this track contributed significantly to his earnings and solidified his status as a rock legend.
How Much Money Did Malcolm Young Make Per Concert?
During major tours, AC/DC's concerts could gross over $2 million per show. As a founding member and key performer, Malcolm's share from each concert was substantial, estimated to be several hundred thousand dollars per performance.
Who Inherited Malcolm Young's Estate?
Following Malcolm Young's passing, his estate was inherited by his wife, Linda Young, and their two children, Cara and Ross. The family's inheritance included his share of AC/DC's royalties, real estate holdings, and other assets, ensuring their financial security.
Conclusion
Malcolm Young's legacy as the rhythmic force behind AC/DC remains unparalleled. His collaborations with Angus Young, Bon Scott, Brian Johnson, and Cliff Williams produced some of rock's most enduring anthems. With a net worth of $100 million at the time of his death, Malcolm's influence and contributions continue to resonate in the music world, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.
