AC/DC’s original drummer Colin Burgess dies at 77, cause of death unknown

Australian drummer Colin Burgess, an original member of the hard rock band AC/DC in the early 1970s, has died. The band confirmed on its social media accounts. He was 77. No cause of death was given.

AC/DC mourns the loss of their drummer Colin Burgess

AC/DC took to their Instagram handle and penned a heartfelt note offering condolence to Colin Burgess. They penned, "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."

Soon after they made the post, his fans flooded the comments section as they paid tribute to him. A fan wrote, "Rest in power, Colin Burgess. Your thunderous beats paved the way for generations of rockers to come. You'll always be remembered as the heartbeat of AC/DC's early years."

Another fan commented, "RIP. Not enough said about the early drummers, Colin Burgess, Ron Carpenter, Russell Coleman, Noel Taylor or Peter Clack (who played on a few tracks on the Aussie High Voltage)."

Colin Burgess's legacy as an artist

Colin Burgess was a pivotal figure in the band's early years. Before his time with AC/DC, he was part of The Masters Apprentices, a rock group that temporarily disbanded in 1972. Joining AC/DC in 1973, Burgess contributed to the band's debut single, Can I Sit Next To You, Girl, which emerged as a hit in Australia.

However, his tenure with the rock giants was short-lived. Burgess departed the band in 1974 under controversial circumstances. He was alleged to have been intoxicated during a performance, leading to his expulsion. Despite contesting the accusation, claiming his drink was spiked, no resolution emerged from the incident.

Before AC/DC, Burgess played with the Australian rock group The Masters Apprentices, which was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame in 1998.

(With inputs from AP)