Colin Burgess: AC/DC's first drummer dies at 77 as band pays a heartfelt tribute to 'respected musician'
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: In a somber announcement on the Facebook page of AC/DC, the band has confirmed the death of drummer Colin Burgess at the age of 77.
However, the band has not revealed his cause of death in the announcement on Saturday, December 16.
"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," read the band's statement.
Inside Colin Burgess' time with AC/DC
In 1973, Burgess joined the iconic heavy metal band alongside Dave Evans, Angus and Malcolm Young, and Larry Van Kriedt. However, his tenure with the band was short-lived, lasting only a year.
The split came after allegations arose that Burgess was drunk on stage during a significant performance. However, Burgess denied the allegations but the band chose to part ways with him and replaced Burgess with various other drummers.
Interestingly, in 1975, Burgess briefly returned to fill in for Phil Rudd who had suffered a wrist injury at the time. Despite leaving the band, Colin did temporarily stand in for a few weeks in 1975 when Phil Rudd injured his wrist.
During his appearance on the hit tune 'Can I Sit Next To You Girl', AC/DC ultimately replaced him with Phil, according to Mirror.
Colin Burgess' career outside of AC/DC
Prior to his association with AC/DC, Burgess had a notable stint as a drummer for the popular band 'The Masters Apprentices' in Australia from 1968 to 1972.
He and other members were inducted into Australia's ARIA Hall Of Fame in 1988. Under the name of 'The Burgess Brothers', he has performed along with his brother Denny, and the band was renamed Burgess Burgess in 2014.
Fans pay emotional tribute to Colin Burgess
Following the announcement of Burgess' death, fans paid tribute to the drummer.
"Very sad news , as I love rock music especially from Australia, and he was a part of a generation of great musicians that kicked off the music industry in Australia, condolences to his family and friends," read a fan's comment under the band's announcement of Burgess' death.
"RIP. Lots of great memories listening to the great beats and music from AC/DC this man and his mates," read another fan's comment.
Speaking about the legacy of rock music, one user wrote, "All our most talented musicians are leaving this world. The real heart of rock and roll was alive in them all. They are irreplaceable and left a legacy of rock music that I’m afraid will never be matched. RIP."
