AC/DC's original drummer Colin Burgess has died aged 77.
On Saturday (December 16), it was announced on AC/DC's socials that the drummer had died. No cause of death has been given.
“Very sad to hear of the death of Colin Burgess. He was our first drummer and a highly respected musician,” the band wrote. “Happy memories, rest in peace Colin.”
Colin Burgess was born on 16 November 1946 in Sydney. After a brief period playing in a number of bands, Burgess joined the rock band The Masters Apprentices and played with them from 1968-1972.
Burgess went on to form the original lineup for AC/DC. Joined Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, brother Angus on guitar, Dave Evans on vocals and Larry Van Kriedt on bass to form the band in Sydney, November 1973.
He would play with the band for a few months, best known for providing instrumentation for the song 'Can I Sit Next To You, Girl'.
However, Burgess' tenure ended in February 1974 after he allegedly appeared drunk on stage. The band fired him. Burgess later claimed that his drink had gotten the better of him.
Burgess was later inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame as part of the Masters Apprentices in October 1998.
Tributes for the drummer have flooded in from fans on social media. On Instagram, one user commented: “Rest in power, Colin Burgess. Your thunderous rhythms paved the way for generations of rockers to come. You will always be remembered as the heartbeat of AC/DC's early years.”
“Very sad news as I love rock music, especially from Australia, and was part of a generation of great musicians who started the music industry in Australia,” wrote another person. “Condolences to his family and friends.”
Another simply commented: “Him and Bon [Scott] they rock it at the pearly gates.” Bon [Scott] He was one of the original lead singers of AC/DC. Burgess was one of the last people he spoke to before he died of alcohol poisoning aged 33.
