Colin Burgess, the original drummer for the legendary heavy metal band AC/DC, has sadly passed away at the age of 77. The news of his death was confirmed by the band through a heartfelt post on their official Facebook page.
Key Takeaway
Colin Burgess, the original drummer of AC/DC, has passed away at 77. His legacy as a respected musician and his brief but impactful tenure with the iconic band will be remembered by fans and the music community alike.
AC/DC Mourns the Loss
The iconic group expressed their sorrow in a statement, remembering Burgess as their first drummer and a highly respected musician. AC/DC paid tribute to his contributions, reminiscing on the fond memories they shared with him and wishing him to “rock in peace.”
A Brief Stint with AC/DC
Colin Burgess joined AC/DC in 1973, alongside the renowned sibling guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young, vocalist Dave Evans, and bassist Larry Van Kriedt. However, his time with the band was short-lived, as he departed shortly after the release of their first hit, “Can I Sit Next to You Girl,” and their debut performance at Chequers nightclub in Sydney, Australia.
Controversial Departure
Within a year of joining AC/DC, Burgess was dismissed from the band following an incident during a 1974 show where he was accused of being intoxicated on stage. Despite his attempt to explain that his drink had been tampered with, the band made the decision to part ways with him, paving the way for the recruitment of other drummers, including the long-serving member Phil Rudd.
A Lasting Legacy
Aside from his time with AC/DC, Burgess also made significant contributions as a drummer for the popular Australian rock band The Masters Apprentices from 1968 to 1972. His impact on the music scene was further recognized when he and his former bandmates were inducted into Australia’s ARIA Hall Of Fame in 1988.
Rest in peace, Colin Burgess.
