Colin Burgess AC/DC’s first drummer, has died aged 77.
Burgess joined the band in 1973, as part of a line up which also featured the late Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, with brother Angus on lead guitar.
It also included bass player Larry Van Kriedt, alongside then frontman Dave Evans.
A year after he joined the band, AC/DC fired Burgess, after accusing him of being drunk on stage, with a number of drummers filling in, until Phil Rudd took up the role in 1975.
Burgess had always pleaded his innocence, claiming that the incident was caused by somebody spiking his drink.
He featured on the original AC/DC version of ‘Can I Sit Next To You Girl’, which was subsequently recorded with the late Bon Scott on vocals, for their second album TNT in 1975.
“Happy Memories”
Paying tribute to Colin Burgess, AC/DC posted this message via their X account, formerly known as Twitter.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess”, the band wrote. “He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin”.
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. pic.twitter.com/8jWLXq8TPJ
— AC/DC (@acdc) December 16, 2023
Back in November, a German politician appeared to leak information, confirming that AC/DC were to perform at Munich’s Olympic Stadium, sparking rumours of a first European Tour from the band since 2016.
More on this from Nova here.
