AC/DC producer and Easybeats musician George Young dead at 70

AC/DC producer and The Easybeats' star George Young has died at the age of 70.

AC/DC said in a statement the band would not exist without Young's "help and guidance".

Link AC/DC producer George Young (far right) with brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Photo: Facebook / AC/DC

"As a musician, songwriter, producer, advisor and much, much more, you could not ask for a more dedicated and professional man," the statement read.

"You could not ask for a finer brother. We will always remember him with gratitude and hold him close to our hearts."

Link Singer Axl Rose, left and Angus Young of the band AC/DC perform at the Olympic Stadium in London, Saturday, June 4, 2016. Photo: Mark Allan/AP

George was the eldest brother of Australian rock legends Malcolm and Angus Young. He was born in Scotland in 1946 but emigrated to Australia with his family when he was still a child.

He shot to fame in the '60s as a guitarist for the Sydney-based rock band The Easybeats. While the band broke up in 1970, he and lead guitarist Harry Vanda were later inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Young was also known for co-producing AC/DC's early albums, including TNT, Dirty Deeds Done Cheap and Let There Be Rock.

Prior to AC/DC's formation, Young was the vocalist for the rock group Marcus Hook Roll Band, with his brothers on guitar.

There was an outpouring of grief on social media on Monday afternoon after Young's death was announced. Rock legend Jimmy Barnes wrote on Twitter that the songwriter's death was a "huge loss for music".

"A great songwriter, producer and a great human being," he said.

George Young RIP What a huge loss for music. A great songwriter, producer and a great human being — Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) October 23, 2017

ARIA would like to send its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and fans of Easybeats guitarist/songwriter and record producer George Young, who has passed away, aged 70. pic.twitter.com/KmM617VbLp — ARIA (@ARIA_Official) October 23, 2017

Can’t believe George Young has died. Along with Harry Vanda easily the most influential figure Australian music has seen as a performer, songwriter and producer. That so many of the bands he worked with are still popular and household names today is testament to that — Hannah Mouncey 🤾‍♀️ (@hannahmouncey1) October 23, 2017