AC/DC's original drummer Colin Burgess has died. It was 77.
The legendary rock band announced Burgess' death via social media on Saturday (December 16). Cause of death not given.
“Very saddened to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess,” AC/DC captioned a photo of the drummer in Instagram. “He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin.”
Prior to his brief stint with AC/DC, Burgess was the drummer for Australian rock band Masters Apprentices. After the group split in 1972, he joined AC/DC alongside founding members brothers Angus and Malcom Young and singer Dale Evans.
Four months after being hired, Burgess was fired in February 1974 for allegedly acting while intoxicated. He served as drummer on AC/DC's debut single “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl”, which became a minor hit in Australia.
Burgess was later replaced on drums by Phil Rudd, but played a handful of shows in 1975 while Rudd recovered from an arm injury. “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl” was later re-recorded for AC/DC's 1975 album, TNTwith Rudd on drums and new singer Bon Scott on vocals.
After his time with AC/DC, Burgess went on to perform with His Majesty, Good Time Charlie and the Dead Singer Band. Burgess was not one of the AC/DC members inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame for his contribution to Masters Apprentices.
See AC/DC's post on Burgess' death here.
