By Al Newstead, ABC
Angus's iconic schoolboy outfit is based on the uniform of the nearby Ashfield Boys High School that he attended. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
The childhood home of AC/DC founders Angus and Malcolm Young has been mistakenly demolished by developers who claim they had no idea of the Sydney property's cultural significance.
In 1965, the Young family moved into 4 Burleigh Street in Sydney's inner west suburb of Burwood after migrating from Scotland to Australia. The year before, George Young had met Harry Vanda and formed soon-to-be-popular rock group The Easybeats.
His younger brothers, Malcolm and Angus Young, started AC/DC in the Burleigh home in 1973. Angus's iconic schoolboy outfit is based on the uniform of the nearby Ashfield Boys High School that he attended. The original stage outfit was modified by older sister Margaret Young, whose sewing machine had two power settings: AC or DC.
An important site of Australian rock music history, the Burleigh house was purchased by Burwood Square Pty Ltd in February 2023 for AU$5.8 million (NZ$6.41m). But the property was bulldozed in recent weeks - alongside 2 Burleigh Street - as part of plans for a AU$28.75m (NZ$31.79m) residential development.
The historic AC/DC address before it was flattened. Photo: Facebook / AC/DC - Rock 'n' Roll Thunder group
Burwood Square Pty Ltd general manager Leon Kmita has issued an apology for destroying the AC/DC home.
"We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property's background with us," Kmita said.
"Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We are genuinely sorry for this oversight."
The empty lot that remains of the Burleigh address. Photo: Facebook / AC/DC - Rock 'n' Roll Thunder group
"On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret," Kmita continued.
"We now recognise how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide. We feel a strong responsibility to honour 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."
Kmita said his team was "devoted to making this right" and planned to salvage materials from the demolition site and honour the historic property by establishing a "special space" where AC/DC fans could "gather to celebrate the band's enduring legacy".
The Burleigh property was added to the National Trust List of Historic Homes in 2013, but that did not ensure it as being recognised as heritage listed or "protected under local or state legislation", according to Burwood Council.
The mural of AC/DC's Angus and Malcolm Young located at 12 Burleigh Street in Burwood, Sydney. Photo: Facebook / Burwood Council
Last year, Burwood Council commemorated the AC/DC address by commissioning a nearby mural, by artist Claire Foxton, dedicated to Angus and Malcolm Young "located on the side of 12 Burleigh Street, Burwood, just a few seconds' walk from the Youngs' former family home," a statement read at the time.
Since the demolition, the council has bit back at criticism they should have done more to protect the home.
"Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate the Young family and the area's rich musical heritage," it said in a statement.
Fans across social media have already expressed outrage.
"How does this happen. An utter disgrace," posted a member of the Facebook group AC/DC Rock 'n' Roll Thunder. "Unbelievable to do this [to] a national treasure," wrote another.
George and Malcolm Young both died in 2017. Angus Young is still touring with AC/DC, who last month announced a US and Canada 'Power Up' tour - playing a run of overseas stadiums in April and May.
Rumours are swirling they could announce their first Australian shows in a decade sometime later this year.
- ABC
