On Monday, the world of music was shocked by the death of George Young. Now, noted admirers of his work, Guns N’ Roses, have paid tribute to the late icon by way of a live dedication at their recent US show.
A renowned trailblazer in the Australian music scene, George Young founded the Easybeats with songwriting partner Harry Vanda in late 1964, with both musicians going on to become known as some of the best songwriters to ever come out of the country.
Notably, George Young also produced a number of records for AC/DC, the band in which his younger brothers Angus and Malcolm performed as guitarists.
In fact it was these AC/DC records, in addition to other George Young-produced material, such as records by The Angels and Rose Tattoo, that caught the eye of a young Axl Rose in the ’80s, helping inspire him to form his own bands, including the legendary Guns N’ Roses.
Now, as The Music points out, Axl Rose has paid tribute to the late George Young by way of dedicating their performance of ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ (originally appearing on AC/DC’s Let There Be Rock in 1977) to him.
“This next song we’re gonna do this for a friend of ours and dedicate it to his brother who just passed away,” Axl Rose explained to the crowd in Hartford, Connecticut on Monday night.
“So, this is for Angus Young and this is dedicated to George Young who actually produced this song,” he continued before jumping into the cover, one of the many they performed that night.
Check out the performance below, beginning at 5:12.
Of course, this wasn’t the first time that AC/DC had covered the track, having originally recorded it as a B-side to their 1987 single ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, and having performed it live numerous times over the years.
AC/DC also released a statement on Young’s death on Monday, stating: “As a musician, songwriter, producer, advisor and much, much more, you could not ask for a more dedicated and professional man.
“You could not ask for a finer brother. We will always remember him with gratitude and hold him close to our hearts.”
While they haven’t yet commented on Guns N’ Roses cover, considering the friendship between the two groups, we’d assume it would have been viewed as a fitting tribute.
Check out AC/DC’s George Young-produced ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’:
Guns N’ Roses Setlist – Hartford, Connecticut 23/10/17
‘It’s So Easy’
‘Mr. Brownstone’
‘Chinese Democracy’
‘Welcome To The Jungle’
‘Double Talkin’ Jive’
‘Better’
‘Estranged’
‘Live And Let Die’ (Wings cover)
‘Rocket Queen’
‘You Could Be Mine’
‘New Rose’ (The Damned cover)
‘This I Love’
‘Prostitute’
‘Civil War’
‘Yesterdays’
‘Coma’
‘Speak Softly Love (Love Theme From The Godfather)’ (Nino Rota cover)
‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’
‘Wichita Lineman’ (Jimmy Webb cover)
‘Used To Love Her’
‘My Michelle’
‘Wish You Were Here’ (Pink Floyd cover)
‘November Rain’
‘Black Hole Sun’ (Soundgarden cover)
‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’ (Bob Dylan cover)
‘Nightrain’
Encore:
‘Madagascar’
‘Patience’
‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ (AC/DC cover)
‘Don’t Cry’
‘The Seeker’ (The Who cover)
‘Paradise City’
