Developers bulldoze AC/DC’s Angus and Malcolm Young’s childhood home: ‘We are genuinely sorry for this oversight’
The former home of the AC/DC founders in Sydney was even listed on the National Trust Register of Historic Houses
By Nick Reilly
Developers in Australia have been forced to apologise after they “accidentally” demolished the house where AC/DC formed in 1973.
As news.com.au reports, the childhood home of brothers Malcolm and Angus Young on Sydney’s Burleigh Street was bulldozed just a couple of a weeks ago.
The semi-detached house was previously snapped up by developers in February 2023 for $5.8million and was listed on the National Trust List Of Historic Homes in 2013, after becoming a pilgrimage point for fans of the hard rock pioneers.
In a statement, developers Burwood Square Pty Ltd said the firm had only discovered the property’s musical history after it was knocked down.
“We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us,” said Burwood general manager Leon Kmita.
“Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.”
Kmita went on to explain that his team was now working to transform the site into a “special space” where the band’s legacy could be celebrated, in the form of a cafe or bar.
“On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret,” he 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.”
Speaking to the band’s fans, he added: “Please know that we hear you, appreciate your deep admiration for this legendary band, and are devoted to making this right.”
Voicing their anger online, one fan wrote: “So the house that the band AC/DC was recently demolished. It was a shrine to a band that defined a generation of Rock n Roll. It was listed as a place of cultural significance. The developers claimed (after paying $5 million for it) it was an oversight. Yeah, right.” Another branded it an “utter disgrace”.
The Young family first moved to the Burwood suburb in 1963 after migrating from Scotland when Angus was eight years old. They lived in a number of homes in the area before moving permanently to 4 Burleigh Street in 1965.
Last year also saw AC/DC return to Europe for a run of shows that included two sold-out dates at Wembley Stadium.