According to the Herald Sun, the house where brothers and bandmates Angus and Malcolm young grew up and eventually formed AC/DC in 1973 has been destroyed.
Located on Burleigh Street in Sydney’s Inner west, the property was the first permanent Australian residence of the legendary musicians after they moved to the country from Scotland in 1963.
The home was bulldozed in recent weeks after being purchased by developers in February 2023 for AUD $5.8 million (USD $3.638).
A place many rock fans have made a pilgrimage to over the years, in 2013 the house was officially listed on the National Trust List of Historic Homes. In a statement, the general manager of Burwood Square Pty Ltd, Leon Kmita, claims the company only discovered the property’s history after it was knocked down.
“On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret that we have only just learnt of the cultural significance of 4 Burleigh Street, the former home of AC/DC, one of music history’s most iconic bands,” he said.
“We now recognize how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide. As we developed plans for this space, we conducted due diligence, including consulting heritage registers and collaborating with experts in the field.
“Unfortunately, the historical connection to AC/DC was not identified at that stage, and we regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us.
“We are genuinely sorry for this oversight. Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We feel a strong responsibility to honor AC/DC’s legacy and to make amends to all the fans who hold this band in such high regard.
“While we cannot change the past, we are dedicated to celebrating this significant part of their story. We are now salvaging materials from the demolition to create a special space, such as a café, bar, or live music venue, where fans can gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.
“We are also committed to seeking a collaboration with the Young family, fan groups and cultural experts to ensure our tribute is meaningful and respectful. Burwood Council has already acknowledged AC/DC’s connection to the area with an impressive mural nearby, and we share in that commitment.
“We aim to ensure that our development also serves as a lasting tribute to their cultural impact. To the global fanbase of AC/DC, please know that we hear you, appreciate your deep admiration for this legendary band, and are devoted to making this right.”
In a separate statement, Burwood Council added: “The Young family’s contribution to the Australian music scene has been widely recognized by Burwood Council and fans across the globe, and we like many others are saddened and disappointed by the demolition of 4 Burleigh Street, Burwood. Approval to demolish the property at 4 Burleigh Street was not granted by Burwood Council.
“The owner, under State Government Planning Controls, engaged a private certifier authorized to issue a Complying Development Certificate, requiring only two days’ notice to Council before demolition works commence.
“Council has long-maintained that the Young House, located at 4 Burleigh Street Burwood has a special association with Australia’s rock music history as the site where band AC/DC formed.
“In recognition of this, in 2015 Burwood Council proactively engaged independent heritage specialist, City Plan Heritage, to assess the potential heritage significance of 4 Burleigh Street.
“The study by City Plan Heritage cited that the ‘listing of No.4 Burleigh Street in Schedule 5 of the Burwood Local Environment Plan 2012 as a heritage item is not recommended. The item fails to meet the significance assessment criteria’.
“Notwithstanding the above, in recognition of the cultural significance of the Young family and their connection to Burwood, Council continues to undertake initiatives to celebrate their legacy. These include commissioning a mural by artist Claire Foxton near the site at 12 Burleigh Street and coordinating a 300 person strong choir medley celebrating their contributions.
“Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate the Young family including engaging in discussions with the owner of 4 Burleigh Street to encourage any and all opportunities to honor the area’s rich musical history.”
