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HARRY Vanda, the legendary songwriter and producer who was a key figure in AC/DC’s early years, says the band has “lost it” since the death of Malcolm Young eight years ago.

AC/DC are about to return to their homeland for a national tour but guitarist Angus Young is the only original member, forming a core with long-serving singer. Rhythm guitarist Stevie Young replaced his late uncle Malcolm and the balance of the current band is made up of Americans Chris Chaney (bass) and Matt Laug (drums).

Vanda, along with the Youngs’ brother George, produced the albums High Voltage, TNT, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Powerage, If You Want Blood You’ve Got It and Blow Up Your Video.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, he offered his opinion of the band he helped launch to the world, saying: “When Malcolm was with them, they were unbelievably good. When Malcolm died, it got very difficult; they had to get other people in and just lost it. They really lost their togetherness.”

Former drummer Phil Rudd, meanwhile, has said he has been shunned by the band since stepping out of touring to care for a terminally ill friend.

“Those people I thought loved me like a brother, they haven’t even picked up the phone,” Rudd told Stuff.

“People always ask me if I will play with AC/DC again. The only people I would do it for would be the fans. And for Bon (Scott(. I would do it for Bon.”

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KISS (1989)

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Duff McKagan 1989

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Jason Newstead (1988)

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Eric Martin

Kelly Nickels

Kurdt Vanderhoof

Rikki Rockett (1989)

Ugly Kid Joe

Donnie Vie

 

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Steve Mascord

Author Steve Mascord

Steve came up with the name of Hot Metal magazine in 1989 and worked for the magazine in its early years. He is HM's editor and proprietor in 2022.

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