Colin Burgess, AC/DC’s original drummer, has died at the age of 77. The news was reported on AC/DC’s social media pages.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess,” wrote AC/DC on Instagram. “He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin.”
Burgess was part of the original AC/DC lineup that formed in 1973 and included guitarists Malcolm and Angus Young, bassist/saxophonist Larry Van Kriedt, and singer Dave Evans. He appeared on the band’s debut single “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl,” but was fired from AC/DC in early 1974 for allegedly being drunk onstage, although he would claim that someone spiked his drink.
Prior to joining AC/DC, Burgess was a member of the Australian rock band The Masters Apprentices from 1968 to 1972, scoring a number of hits in the country during that time. The group would re-form in the late ’80s and again in the early 2000s with Burgess on drums, but he was not part of the current incarnation of the band. In 1988, Burgess was inducted in the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) as a member of The Masters Apprentices.
Burgess also formed the band His Majesty with singer Yukiko Davis and guitarist Spike Williams in the ’80s. And in 1993, he played drums on a cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” by Tiny Tim.
In February 1980, Burgess was at The Music Factory in London, and was one of the last people to speak with Bon Scott on the night the AC/DC singer died.
Our condolences go out to Colin Burgess’ family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. Watch him performing “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl” with AC/DC in early 1974, as well as “Turn Up Your Radio” with The Masters Apprentices in 1970, below.
