On Friday, the hard rock band AC/DC announced the passing of its original drummer, Colin Burgess, on its official Facebook page. Burgess, who was 77 years old, was known for his contribution to the early formation of the band in the 1970s. The news of his death has saddened fans around the world and has led to an outpouring of tributes for the renowned musician.
According to the band’s social media post, Burgess played a pivotal role in the creation of AC/DC as he was part of the original lineup. In November 1973, he was recruited to join Malcolm and Angus Young, Dave Evans, and Larry Van Kriedt in forming the rock group. Burgess’s musical talent and skills as a drummer were highly respected, and his contributions were crucial in shaping the band’s early sound.
However, just a few months after joining AC/DC, Burgess was fired from the band in February 1974. The reason for his dismissal was his alleged drunken behavior on stage. In a later interview, Burgess clarified that someone had spiked his drink, and he was not intoxicated by choice. Nonetheless, this incident led to a strained relationship between Burgess and the band for several years.
In remembrance of his time with AC/DC, the band paid tribute to Burgess in their statement, describing him as a “very respected musician” and noting their “happy memories” with him. The statement also ended with a message to Burgess, saying “rock in peace.” The outpouring of love and appreciation from the band for their former bandmate has touched the hearts of their fans and has become a platform for them to honor Burgess’s legacy.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess. He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin. pic.twitter.com/8jWLXq8TPJ
— AC/DC (@acdc) December 16, 2023
Burgess was not only known for his time with AC/DC but also for his contributions to other well-known Australian bands. Prior to joining AC/DC, Burgess was a member of The Masters Apprentices, a rock group that achieved significant success in the 1960s and 1970s. The band was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame in 1998, solidifying their status as an influential and respected group in the Australian music scene.
In addition to his musical talent, Burgess was also known for his energetic and charismatic stage presence. He had a unique drumming style that captured the attention of the audience and added an extra level of intensity to the band’s performances. His contribution to the sound and performance of AC/DC was essential in establishing the band’s early image and brand.
Although he was only a member of AC/DC for a short period, Burgess’s legacy and influence on the band’s success cannot be understated. He was a significant part of the band’s early years and was an integral part of shaping their sound and image. His passing has left a void in the hearts of the band members and their fans, but his contributions will never be forgotten.
As news of Burgess’s death spread, fans and fellow musicians took to social media to pay their respects and offer condolences to his friends and family. Many shared personal memories of seeing Burgess perform or listening to his music, highlighting the impact he had on their lives. The overwhelming response from fans and fellow musicians is a testament to the lasting impact Burgess had on the music industry and the people he touched.
Burgess may no longer be here with us, but his music and contribution to the world of rock and roll will forever be remembered. He will be greatly missed by his fans, bandmates, and friends, but his legacy will continue to live on through his music. Colin Burgess will always be remembered as a talented and influential musician who played an essential role in the formation of one of the biggest bands in rock history.
