George Young
The older brother who shaped AC/DC's first recordings.
George Young was the older brother of Malcolm and Angus Young, and a key figure in AC/DC's early history. He was a former member of the Easybeats and the Marcus Hook Roll Band, and he co-produced the band's first single, "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl", in January–February 1974 at EMI Studios in Sydney, alongside Harry Vanda. After the initial recording session, George re-recorded the bass lines for the single after bassist Larry Van Kriedt was fired.
- Role
- Producer & Mentor
- Affiliation
- AC/DC, The Easybeats
- Status
- Deceased
- Era
- 1970s
Lore & Background
George Young's involvement with AC/DC began at the very start. In January–February 1974, he and Harry Vanda produced the band's debut single, "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl", at EMI Studios in Sydney. Both were former members of the Easybeats and the Marcus Hook Roll Band. After the session, when bassist Larry Van Kriedt was fired, George stepped in to re-record the bass lines for the single. His role as a producer and mentor was crucial in the band's early development, providing professional guidance from his own experience in the music industry.
In Their Own Story
In early 1974, George Young stood in the control room of EMI Studios in Sydney, watching his younger brothers Malcolm and Angus through the glass. Alongside Harry Vanda, he was producing AC/DC's first single, "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl". A week after the session, drummer Colin Burgess was fired, and bassist Larry Van Kriedt soon followed. George took matters into his own hands, re-recording Van Kriedt's bass lines himself to salvage the recording. It was a quiet, practical move that kept the band's first release on track.
Reader's Guide
George Young's primary contribution to AC/DC was as a producer and mentor during their formative years. He co-produced the band's first single, "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl", recorded in January–February 1974 at EMI Studios in Sydney, alongside Harry Vanda. Both were former members of the Easybeats and the Marcus Hook Roll Band. After the session, when bassist Larry Van Kriedt was fired, George re-recorded the bass lines for the single. His experience and industry connections helped the Young brothers navigate the early recording process, setting a foundation for the band's future work.
Did You Know?
- George Young was a former member of the Easybeats and the Marcus Hook Roll Band before working with AC/DC.
- He co-produced AC/DC's first single, 'Can I Sit Next to You, Girl', in January–February 1974 at EMI Studios in Sydney.
- After bassist Larry Van Kriedt was fired, George re-recorded the bass lines for the single himself.
- George was the older brother of Malcolm and Angus Young.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is George Young in the context of AC/DC?
George Young was the older brother of Malcolm and Angus Young who served as a crucial mentor and producer during the band's formative years. Before working with his brothers, he gained fame as a member of the Australian rock group The Easybeats.
What specific role did George Young play in AC/DC's early history?
He co-produced the band's very first single, 'Can I Sit Next to You, Girl,' alongside Harry Vanda at EMI Studios in Sydney. Beyond producing, he also stepped in as a musician to re-record the bass lines after the original bassist was dismissed.
Was George Young ever an official member of AC/DC?
George Young never officially joined AC/DC as a touring or recording band member under that name. Instead, his influence came from behind the scenes as a producer and from his earlier work with The Easybeats and Marcus Hook Roll Band.
Why is George Young considered important to fans of the band?
He is credited with shaping the raw sound and professional direction of AC/DC's initial recordings in 1974. His guidance helped transform the group into a serious rock act capable of international success.
What happened to George Young later in life?
George Young passed away in October 2017, leaving behind a legacy as one of Australia's most influential music producers and musicians. His contributions remain a foundational part of AC/DC's origin story.
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