Remembering AC/DC's First Drummer: Colin Burgess

  The original drummer for AC/DC, Colin Burgess, has passed away, as confirmed by an official statement on the band's Facebook page. 

The iconic rock group expressed their sorrow on Friday night, remembering Burgess as their first drummer and a highly respected musician. The statement conveyed, "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." The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Colin Burgess joined AC/DC in 1973 alongside founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, singer Dave Evans, and bassist Larry Van Kriedt. Despite his initial involvement, Burgess' tenure was short-lived, concluding shortly after AC/DC's breakthrough hit, "Can I Sit Next to You Girl," and their debut performance at Chequers nightclub in Sydney, Australia. His departure came amid allegations of on-stage intoxication during a 1974 show, leading to his dismissal. Despite Burgess's attempt to salvage his position by attributing his behavior to a spiked drink, the band parted ways with him.

AC/DC enlisted various drummers, ultimately settling with Phil Rudd, who became a long-standing member. The band re-recorded "Can I Sit Next To You Girl" with Rudd on drums. Before his AC/DC stint, Burgess had an influential role as the drummer for the popular Australian rock band, The Masters Apprentices, from 1968 to 1972. In recognition of his significant contributions to the music scene, Burgess and his fellow band members were inducted into Australia's ARIA Hall Of Fame in 1988.

Colin Burgess passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the evolution of Australian rock and the iconic sounds of AC/DC