Easybeats guitarist George Young dies aged 70

Tributes flow for the songwriter and musician who wrote classics such as Friday on My Mind and JPY’s Love is in the Air.

Harry Vanda and George Young from 1960s band The Easybeats.

One of the godfathers of Australian rock, George Young, has died at age 70.

A founding member of one of Australia’s first successful rock exports, the Easybeats, Young co-wrote the hits Friday on my Mind and Good Times with songwriting partner Harry Vanda.

George Young RIP What a huge loss for music. A great songwriter, producer and a great human being

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) October 23, 2017

Young was the older brother of AC/DC founders Malcolm and Angus Young, and with Vanda produced the band’s albums including High Voltage and TNT.

AC/DC announced Young’s death with “pain in our heart”.

“Without his help and guidance there would not have been an AC/DC,” the statement said.

“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.”

George Young, left, and Harry Vanda pictured at Albert Studios in Sydney.

Known as Vanda & Young, the songwriting duo penned Evie, Parts 1, 2 & 3 and Hard Road for Stevie Wright, and dancefloor hits I Hate the Music and Love is in the Air for John Paul Young.

“Rest in Peace my dear friend,” Vanda said in a statement.

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

Bon Scott, Angus Young, George Young, Harry Vanda and Ted Albert in Albert Studio.