George Young, who produced for AC/DC and played guitar for The Easybeats, died at the age of seventy. Young, brother to band members Malcolm and Angus, had been famous in the sixties as the guitarist of The Easybeats. He went on to produce two of AC/DC’s albums, High Voltage in 1976 and Let There Be Rock in ’77. AC/DC released a statement lauding Young for his dedication to the group.

“As a musician, songwriter, producer, advisor and much, much more, you could not ask for a more dedicated and professional man.”

As brothers, Angus and Malcom wrote, “You could not ask for a finer brother. We will always remember him with gratitude and hold him close to our hearts.”

After confirming Young’s death, an Australian publishing house, Alberts, released a statement referring to him as a prolific songwriter and innovative producer. They hail his musical talent, modesty, charm, intelligence, humor and loyalty as indicative of Young’s character.

Young, who was born in 1946, moved to Australia at a young age from his birthplace of Scotland. He later joined The Easybeats who were widely considered to be Australia’s Beatles. They’re best known for “Friday On My Mind,” and were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005. “Friday On My Mind” was the first song from an Australian act to become an international pop hit in 1966. David Bowie covered it in 1977 on his album, Pin Ups. The band interestingly consisted only of members who had moved to Australia from Europe. Australia imported talent to compete with The Beatles.

Young’s career shifted throughout the waxes and wanes of the music industry. Starting as a musician trying to compete with The Beatles, Young carved his way into the eighties rock n’ roll scene with his innovative technique, knowledge of the industry, and general demeanor. His loss is as tragic for his family as it is for his friends, fans and colleagues.