The rock and metal world has been shaken by a series of deaths over the weekend, with the most recent being AC/DC producer George Young. The eldest Young sibling, brother to Malcolm and Angus, has passed away at the age of 70.

Young's music career started in 1964 with popular Aussie rock band The Easybeats, who scored an international hit with "Friday on My Mind." Young served a five-year stint as the band's guitarist and returned in 1986 when they briefly reunited for an Australian tour. He also received writing credits on the John Paul Young song "Love Is in the Air." He also went on to

Helping out his brothers, he served as a co-producer on AC/DC's early albums, including TNT, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and Let There Be Rock. After a bit of a break, he also had a hand in 1988's Blow Up Your Video and 2000's Stiff Upper Lip. For his work in music as a performer, writer and producer Young was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1988 and again as a member of the Easybeats in 2005.

In a statement released by the band on their social media, they offered:

It is with pain in our heart that we have to announce the passing of our beloved brother and mentor George Young. Without his help and guidance there would not have been an AC/DC.
As a musician, songwriter, producer, advisor and much, much more, you could not ask for a more dedicated and professional man.
As a brother, you could not ask for a finer brother. For all he did and gave to us throughout his life, we will always remember him with gratitude and hold him close to our hearts.

Our condolences go out to the Young family, the extended AC/DC and Easybeats family and fans of George Young.

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