Childhood home of AC/DC founders mistakenly demolished by Sydney property developers

The childhood home in Sydney of Angus Young and Malcolm Young, founders of the renowned Australian rock band AC/DC, was mistakenly demolished by developers. The developers claimed they were unaware of the property's cultural significance. This incident has sparked widespread concern and regret.

In 1965, the Young family immigrated from Scotland to Australia and moved into 4 Burleigh Street in the suburb of Burwood, in Sydney's inner west. A year prior, George Young met Harry Vanda and formed the later popular rock band The Easybeats. His younger brothers, Malcolm and Angus Young, founded AC/DC at the Burleigh Street home in 1973. Angus’s iconic schoolboy outfit was inspired by the uniform of nearby Ashfield Boys High School, which he attended. The initial stage outfits were modified by their sister, Margaret Young, whose sewing machine had two power settings: AC or DC.

The Burleigh Street house, a significant site in Australian rock music history, was purchased by Burwood Square Pty Ltd for $5.8 million AUD in February 2023. However, the property was recently bulldozed, along with 2 Burleigh Street, as part of a $28.75 million AUD residential development plan. Leon Kmet, the General Manager of Burwood Square Pty Ltd, has issued an apology regarding the demolition of the former AC/DC home.

Kmet stated, “We regret that the previous long-term owners did not share the important information about the property’s background with us. We were shocked to learn of this connection only after our plans were already underway. We sincerely apologize for this oversight.” He also said, “On behalf of the Burwood Square team, I express our deepest regret. We now recognize how profoundly this place resonates with the AC/DC community and fans globally. We have a strong responsibility to honor AC/DC's legacy and make amends to all the fans who hold this band so dear.”

Kmet said his team is “committed to putting things right” and plans to recover materials from the demolition site and memorialize the historic property by creating a “special space” where AC/DC fans can “gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.” The Burleigh Street property was listed on the National Trust Register of Historic Houses in 2013, but this did not ensure it was recognized for heritage protection or “protected by local or state laws,” Burwood Council stated. Since the demolition, the council has refuted criticism that they should have done more to protect the house. A council statement said, “Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to commemorate the Young family and the area’s rich musical heritage.”

Fans on social media have expressed outrage. “How could this happen. Absolutely disgraceful,” posted one member of the Facebook group AC/DC Rock 'n' Roll Thunder. “Unbelievable that something like this could happen to a national treasure,” wrote another. George Young and Malcolm Young both passed away in 2017. Angus Young is still touring with AC/DC, who last month announced their “Power Up” tour in the US and Canada, with a series of stadium shows overseas in April and May. There are rumors that they may announce their first Australian shows in a decade later this year.