One of the founding members of AC/DC, Malcolm Young, has announced he is leaving the band due to poor health. The exact nature of Young's illness has not been confirmed, but in a statement on the band's website they asked that people respect the privacy of Malcolm and his family at this difficult time.

AC/DC
Malcolm (Far Left) has been a member of the band since it was founded in 1973

The elder brother of the band's lead guitarist Angus Young, Malcolm was a founding member of the Australian rock band and played rhythm guitar for the group for a staggering forty years. It was announced that he would be taking a break from the band in April of this year, but now it seems his health problems are more serious than originally thought.

More: AC/DC Aren't Retiring After All, It's Just One Band Member

More: Billy Joel and AC/DC. 'You Shook Me All Night Long'. It Happened.

One of the most well known rock bands in the world, AC/DC formed in 1973 and made their name with hits such as 'Highway to Hell' and 'Back in Black'. Their first lead singer Bon Scott died tragically in February 1980, only months after the band finished recording 'Highway to Hell', and although the band considered disbanding, they eventually decided to continue, and Brian Johnson was selected as their new lead singer.

AC/DC are releasing their first album in six years, entitled 'Rock or Bust', on December 2nd 2014. Malcolm was replaced in the studio by nephew Stevie Young, who will also be accompanying the band on their next tour to promote the new album. A preview of a new song from their upcoming album will be released this Friday (September 27th). It will no doubt be bittersweet news for fans who will miss Malcolm, but be happy that the band have vowed to continue making music and touring.

More: AC/DC - Cover You In Oil (Ballbreaker promo clip)