If you’re a hardcore metal fan, then you have definitely heard of AC/DC and rocked out a time or two to their well known songs.
It comes as sad news to AC/DC’s fans, the original drummer Colin Burgess, has sadly passed away at the age of 77 of unknown causes.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess,” the Australian rock band announced via Instagram Saturday. “He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin.”
Burgess became a member of the metal band in 1973 alongside other founding members: singer Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt as well as siblings and guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young.
Despite his love for rock, the drummer was given the boot only after a year of playing in the band.
Former band member Dave Evans clarified that Burgess was fired in 1974 for showing up to play onstage while heavily influenced on an unknown drug.
After parting ways with their original drummer, AC/DC hopped between multiple short-lived replacements for years during their success.
Still, musician Phil Rudd would ultimately stick it out the longest, joining the “You Shook Me All Night Long” rock group in 1975 and playing on and off with the group up until the present day.
Soon after Rudd replaced Burgess, the original drummer had to step in and cover for Rudd due to a broken wrist.
Singer Evans was replaced by Bon Scott a year after the band was founded, he would go on to play for the group up until his death in 1980.
In 2017, cofounding member Malcolm passed away after taking a step back from the group three years prior following a dementia diagnosis.
If your an AC/DC fan, then you will remember their most memorable albums, “Back in Black” and “For Those About To Rock We Salute You”.
Burgess also spent some time playing drums for an Australian band called The Masters Apprentices between 1968-1972.
Burgess and other members of AC/DC were inducted into Australia’s ARIA Hall of Fame in 1998.
