Stevie Young

Stephen Crawford Young Jr., known professionally as Stevie Young, is a Scottish-born musician who serves as the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for the Australian hard rock band AC/DC. Born on December 11, 1956, in Glasgow, he has been a member of the band since 2014, stepping into the role vacated by his uncle, Malcolm Young. Stevie is known for his steady, powerful rhythm playing that anchors AC/DC's signature sound, and he has contributed to the albums Rock or Bust (2014) and Power Up (2020). As of 2026, he remains an active member of the band, touring worldwide and continuing the Young family's musical legacy.

Stevie's playing style stays true to the classic AC/DC formula, blending raw energy with precision. He has earned respect from fans and critics alike for seamlessly filling the shoes of a founding member. Despite his low public profile, his contributions are vital to the band's ongoing success, and he remains a beloved figure within the AC/DC community. [edit]

Stevie Young was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on December 11, 1956, into a family steeped in musical tradition. His father, Stephen Young Sr., was the eldest of the Young brothers, and his uncles Malcolm and Angus would go on to form AC/DC in 1973 after relocating to Australia. Growing up in Glasgow, Stevie was surrounded by music from an early age, though details of his childhood and education remain largely private.

His first significant connection to AC/DC came in 1988 when he temporarily filled in for his uncle Malcolm during the band's US tour. At the time, Malcolm was dealing with personal issues, and Stevie stepped in to handle rhythm guitar duties. This experience proved his capability and gave him a taste of life on the road with one of rock's biggest acts. After the tour, he returned to his own life, but the seeds were planted for a more permanent role decades later. [edit]

Stevie Young's permanent tenure with AC/DC began in April 2014 when he joined the band to record the album Rock or Bust. He was not announced as an official member until September of that year, taking over for Malcolm Young, who had retired due to dementia. Stevie's appointment was a natural choice given his earlier fill-in work and his family ties.

The album Rock or Bust was released in December 2014 and was a commercial success, debuting at number one in several countries. Stevie then joined the band for the supporting tour, which ran into 2015. In 2020, AC/DC released Power Up, their first album with Stevie as a full-time member, and it was met with critical acclaim, debuting at number one in over 20 countries. The accompanying Power Up world tour began in 2023 and continued into 2026, with Stevie playing a key role in the band's live performances.

In March 2026, Stevie was hospitalized in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after feeling unwell during the tour. The hospitalization was described as precautionary, and he underwent a series of tests before being released. He resumed touring shortly after, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the band. [edit]

Stevie Young is perceived within the AC/DC fan community as a worthy successor to Malcolm Young, someone who carries on the family tradition with authenticity and skill. Fans on platforms like Reddit have expressed appreciation for how well he fits into the band, both musically and visually. His public image is that of a low-key, professional musician who avoids the spotlight, maintaining a minimal social media presence and rarely giving interviews. His style is consistent with AC/DC's classic hard rock aesthetic, providing the steady rhythm guitar foundation while Angus Young takes center stage. Stevie's dedication to preserving the band's legacy has endeared him to longtime fans, who see him as a guardian of the Young family's musical heritage. [edit]

Stevie Young commands a global audience defined by deep loyalty rather than fleeting viral fame, anchoring one of rock music's most enduring acts. As of August 2026, the iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated his standing but notes that he currently holds no placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings or any specific Top-100 scope list. This absence reflects his status as a revered figure within a massive legacy act rather than an individual chart-topping celebrity. The community surrounding him does not operate under a unique official name; fans simply identify as part of the AC/DC family or the broader AC/DC fanbase. While there are no formalized campaigns like birthday billboards or dedicated charity drives solely for Stevie, the community demonstrates profound support for his role as the guardian of the band's rhythm section. Online forums frequently celebrate his transition from a fill-in guitarist to a permanent fixture, viewing his tenure as essential to preserving the original sound after the loss of Malcolm Young. His relationship with the audience is built on musical consistency and a low-profile demeanor, with iconic moments centering on his seamless integration into the lineup and recent health scares that highlighted the fragility and resilience of the group.[edit]

Stevie Young is only one year younger than his uncle Angus and three years younger than Malcolm, a result of the age gap between his father and his uncles. He remains the sole member of the modern AC/DC lineup born in Scotland, distinguishing him from the Australian-born core of the band. Fans often note his striking visual resemblance to the Young family, which allowed him to fit seamlessly into the band's image without disruption. Despite his rock star status, he maintains a remarkably low profile, rarely giving interviews and keeping his social media presence minimal, though he occasionally shares behind-the-scenes moments on his official Instagram handle. A widely retold story among long-time fans concerns his first time stepping in during the Blow Up Your Video tour to fill in for Malcolm when illness struck, a moment now celebrated as the prelude to his permanent role. Another chapter in the band's lore involves his hospitalization ahead of sold-out stadium shows, an event that underscored the critical nature of his health to the group's continuity and reinforced the narrative of the band's enduring strength.[edit]

Stevie Young comes from a renowned musical family. His father, Stephen Young Sr., was the eldest of the Young brothers, and his uncles Malcolm and Angus founded AC/DC. Stevie has always been close to his family, and it was his uncle Malcolm who originally brought him into the band as a temporary replacement in 1988. After Malcolm's retirement in 2014, Stevie took over his role permanently. He has spoken fondly of his family's influence on his career, though he keeps his personal life private. There is no public information about his spouse or children, and he prefers to keep his family out of the spotlight. [edit]

Stevie Young is closely associated with his uncle Angus Young, the lead guitarist of AC/DC, and his late uncle Malcolm Young, whom he replaced. He also shares a bond with his father, Stephen Young Sr., and the broader Young family. Within the band, he works alongside vocalist Brian Johnson, drummer Phil Rudd, and bassist Cliff Williams, though specific details of these relationships are not widely publicized. [edit]

Stevie Young has kept his personal life remarkably private, and there is no public record of any romantic relationships, marriages, or children. He has never been linked to any high-profile partners, and his relationship status is not a matter of public record. As of 2026, it is unknown whether he is single, married, or in a relationship, as he has chosen to keep this aspect of his life out of the public eye. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Stevie Young's net worth at $25 Million. This valuation stems from his long-standing position as rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for AC/DC, a band that has sold over 200 million records worldwide and continues to generate substantial revenue from touring and merchandise. Since officially joining the band in 2014 to replace his uncle, Stevie has contributed to two studio albums and multiple world tours, all of which have been major financial successes. His earnings from album sales, royalties, and live performances have accumulated significantly over the years. Additionally, as a member of the Young family, he may have received income from the band's catalog and publishing rights. This financial standing reflects his integral association with one of rock music's most enduring acts.[edit]