Oops. AC/DC’s historic childhood home accidentally bulldozed.
Anything to do with AC/DC is referred at home in Australia. Imagine the flack this developer is tacking.
The house were AC/DC first came together in 1973 was accidentally demolished over the last few weeks. The house, located at 4 Burleigh Street in the west end of Sydney, was where Angus and Malcolm Young grew up, had been–get this–listed on the National List of Historical Homes back in 2013. Fans from all over the world visited the place.
Yet it met the wrong end of a bulldozer. How?
It began with the purchase of the property in 2023 by a developer called Burwood Square for AUD$5.8 million. Construction started late last year on a new project–and it was only after the house was knocked down that the new owners realized what they’d done.
Burwood Square is now doing, er, damage control. Here’s their statement.
“On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret that we have only just learnt of the cultural significance of 4 Burleigh Street, the former home of AC/DC, one of music history’s most iconic bands,” he said.
“We now recognize how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide.
“As we developed plans for this space, we conducted due diligence, including consulting heritage registers and collaborating with experts in the field. Unfortunately, the historical connection to AC/DC was not identified at that stage, and we regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us.
“We are genuinely sorry for this oversight. Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We feel a strong responsibility to honor 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. We are now salvaging materials from the demolition to create a special space, such as a café, bar, or live music venue, where fans can gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.
“We are also committed to seeking a collaboration with the Young family, fan groups and cultural experts to ensure our tribute is meaningful and respectful. Burwood Council has already acknowledged AC/DC’s connection to the area with an impressive mural nearby, and we share in that commitment.
“We aim to ensure that our development also serves as a lasting tribute to their cultural impact. To the global fanbase of AC/DC, please know that we hear you, appreciate your deep admiration for this legendary band, and are devoted to making this right.”
Read more about the, um, oversight here.
