Colin Burgess, the original drummer of AC/DC, passed away on Dec. 16, 2023, at the age of 77

Colin Burgess

Colin Burgess, original drummer for AC/DC. 

PETER CARRETTE ARCHIVE/GETTY

Colin Burgess, the original drummer of AC/DC, passed away on Dec. 16, 2023, at the age of 77. While his time with the legendary rock band AC/DC was relatively brief, his impact and contributions to the music world cannot be understated. Burgess was a member of AC/DC during its formative days in 1973. He played alongside bassist Larry Van Kreidt, vocalist Dave Evans, and brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. His time with the band spanned a few months, culminating in a January 1974 recording session at EMI Studios before his departure that February.

Before joining AC/DC, Burgess was a member of the successful Australian band the Masters Apprentices from 1968 until 1972. He was an integral part of their sound, contributing to the hits "5:10 Man," "Think About Tomorrow Today," "Turn Up Your Radio," and "Because I Love You." His time with the Masters Apprentices solidified his place in the Australian rock scene.

In the years following his departure from AC/DC, Burgess continued to play in several other groups, including His Majesty, the Burgess Brothers Band, the Dead Singer Band, and Guitar Heroes. Burgess and his Masters Apprentices bandmates were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1998, a testament to their lasting impact on the Australian music landscape.

While the details of Burgess's personal life, such as marital status or children, remain private, it is clear that he was deeply committed to his craft and played a crucial role in shaping the sound of some of Australia's most influential rock bands. He will be remembered not only for his talent but also for his enduring passion for music.

In memory of Colin Burgess, we honor a musician who helped shape the foundation of one of the most significant hard-rock bands in history and left an indelible mark on the Australian music scene. His contributions to rock 'n' roll will not be forgotten.

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