The music world has lost a true legend with the passing of Colin Burgess, the original drummer of AC/DC. His death was confirmed by the band on a somber Saturday, and it marks the end of an era for rock and roll. Colin Burgess, who was 77 at the time of his passing, leaves behind a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
AC/DC, one of the most iconic and enduring rock bands of all time, expressed their grief in a heartfelt statement: “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.” These words encapsulate the sentiment shared by countless fans who have been touched by AC/DC’s music, much of which was shaped by Burgess’s drumming.
The cause of Colin Burgess’s death remains undisclosed, leaving fans to reflect on his life and contributions to rock music. On social media, tributes have poured in from fans worldwide, sharing their condolences and reminiscing about his unforgettable performances.
One fan shared their sorrow, stating, “Very sad news as I love rock music, especially from Australia, and he was a part of a generation of great musicians that kicked off the music industry in Australia. Condolences to his family and friends.” This sentiment is echoed by many who recognize AC/DC’s pivotal role in shaping the rock music landscape.
Others took to social media to offer their condolences, with messages like, “I’m very sad to hear of the passing of Colin; may he rest in peace!” and “Rest in peace Colin, you did a lot for young bands.” These messages reflect the deep appreciation fans have for Colin Burgess’s contributions to rock music.
AC/DC’s journey began with a lineup that included vocalist Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, drummer Colin Burgess, lead guitarist Angus Young, and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young. This early lineup laid the foundation for the band’s signature sound and set them on a path to rock superstardom.
While AC/DC’s lineup has evolved over the years, with various musicians coming and going, the band’s music has continued to captivate audiences worldwide. Their biggest hit, “Highway to Hell,” reached number 17 in the United States and number eight in the UK, solidifying their status as rock icons. Other successful albums like “Back in Black” and “For Those About to Rock We Salute You” have further solidified their place in rock history.
Colin Burgess joined AC/DC in 1973, but his time with the band was relatively short-lived. Just a year later, he was dismissed from the band amid accusations of being drunk on stage. Burgess later claimed that his drink had been spiked, shedding light on the challenges and temptations that often accompany life on the road as a rock musician.
Following Burgess’s departure, AC/DC went through a series of drummers before Phil Rudd joined in 1975. Rudd’s tenure with the band lasted for seven years before he took a break. He later returned to AC/DC for a nine-year stint in 1994 and again in 2018. Colin Burgess briefly returned to AC/DC when he filled in for Phil Rudd, who had injured his wrist in 1975, for a few weeks.
In a twist of fate, Colin Burgess found himself at The Music Factory in London on the night of February 19, 1980, the same night that Bon Scott, AC/DC’s lead vocalist at the time, tragically passed away. Burgess was one of the last people to speak with Bon Scott before he left the club. The coroner later ruled Scott’s cause of death as “acute alcohol poisoning,” marking a dark chapter in the band’s history.
Before and after his time with AC/DC, Colin Burgess had a notable career in music. He served as the drummer for Masters Apprentices from 1968 to 1972, a period during which the band made a significant impact on the Australian music scene. In October 1998, The Masters Apprentices received a well-deserved honor as they were inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame.
In a poignant twist of fate, Colin Burgess and his brother Denny Burgess were both seriously injured in a car accident in November 1998 while on their way to a CD launch party for their album “Good Time Charlie.” Fortunately, both Colin and Denny recovered and resumed their musical careers, performing and recording as The Burgess Brothers. In 2014, they renamed themselves Burgess Burgess, continuing to create music and share their passion for rock.
AC/DC’s impact on the world of music cannot be overstated. With more than 200 million records sold worldwide, they have achieved legendary status as one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Their enduring music has been the soundtrack of countless lives, and Colin Burgess played a crucial role in shaping their early sound and legacy.
As fans remember and pay tribute to Colin Burgess, his contribution to the world of rock and roll will forever be etched in history. His time with AC/DC, though relatively brief, left an indelible mark on the band’s journey to greatness. Rock in peace, Colin, and may your drumming continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. Your legacy lives on in the music that will forever rock the world.