Original AC/DC drummer Colin Burgess dies at 77
Fans of hard and heavy metal were left in mourning this past week to learn that original AC/DC drummer Colin Burgess had died.
According to the Independent, the 77-year-old Australian musician passed away on Friday, with no official cause of death being released.
Burgess' rock and roll career began in 1968 with "The Masters Apprentices"
The paper noted that Burgess was born in Sydney and first gained prominence by performing as a member of The Masters Apprentices between 1968 and 1972.
The following year saw Burgess become a part of AC/DC's first line-up, which also consisted of singer Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, and legendary sibling guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young.
However, Burgess was fired after just three months with the group amid allegations that he was drunk on stage during a performance. Burgess denied the charge and insisted that his drink had been spiked.
He returned to tour with the group again in 1975 after replacement drummer Phil Rudd injured his hand during a fight in Australia's second-largest city.
AC/DC calls Burgess "a very respected musician" who served as their first drummer
AC/DC released a statement on its Instagram page after it was revealed that Burgess had died, declaring, "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."
View this post on Instagram
The Independent noted that fans posted tributes of their own, with one writing, "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."
Another individual lamented, "Sad so many talented artist [sic] from my youth are passing. We are all getting older."
Burgess praised for having been "one hell of a drummer"
Meanwhile, other fans were quick to post remembrances of Burgess on the social media platform previously known as Twitter.
R.I.P. Colin Burgess. ⚡️🤍
AC/DC original drummer, Colin Burgess, dies at 77 years old.https://t.co/bEMdr7fvbx
— SULLY🇺🇸 (@SULLY10X) December 17, 2023
One person wrote, "Rest in peace Colin Burgess you where one hell of a drummer AC/DC's songs won't be the same without you."
rest in peace Colin Burgess you where one hell of a drummer ac/dc's songs won't be the same with out you 🫡
— misfire prime (@nuggetprime1993) December 16, 2023
