AC/DC drummer Colin Burgess dies aged 77 as band pays tribute to late rock star
AC/DC’s original drummer Colin Burgess has passed away aged 77. A statement released by the iconic rock band on their Facebook page confirmed the Australian musician’s death as they paid tribute to their former band member.
Their statement on social media read: “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.”
A cause of death has not yet been revealed, the Mirror reports. Colin became a member of the legendary heavy metal band in 1972 alongside Angus and Malcolm Young, Dave Evans and Larry Van Kriedt.
His time in the band was cut short after just a year following allegations that he had been drunk on stage during a huge performance. While Colin denied these claims, the band did not believe him and cut ties, replacing him with a number of other drummers.
Despite leaving the band, Colin did temporarily stand in for a few weeks in 1975 when Phil Rudd injured his wrist. While he appeared on hit tune Can I Sit Next To You Girl, the band went on to replace his drumming with Phil.
Colin Burgess, AC/DC Drummer Colin Burgess Dead at 77
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Colin also played the drums for popular Australian band The Masters Apprentices, where he was part of the set up between 1968 and 1972. In 1988 he and the group’s other members were inducted into Australia’s ARIA Hall Of Fame.
He also performed with his brother Denny, under the name The Burgess Brothers before they renamed their act in 2014 to ‘Burgess Burgess.’
(L-R) Bassist Cliff Williams, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, lead guitarist Angus Young, drummer Simon Wright, and singer Brian Johnson of AC/DC pose backstage after a show at the Joe Louis Arena during the Flick of the Switch/Monsters of Rock tour, on November 17, 1983, in Detroit, Michigan.
Tributes from heartbroken fans poured in for the late musician following the news of his death. On AC/DC’s official Facebook posts, a number of devastated followers shared crying face emojis.
One user wrote: “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 replied: “Sorry for your loss. May you rest in peace Colin. And hope you bring some of your music to your band mates and keep rocking from heaven. You all will be missed but not forgotten.”
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