Developers apologize for demolishing AC/DC's childhood home

Developers have inadvertently demolished the childhood home of Malcolm and Angus Young, the founding members of the legendary rock band AC/DC. The property, located at 4 Burleigh Street in Sydney's Inner West suburb of Burwood, was purchased in February 2023 for $5.8 million and recently bulldozed to make way for a $28.75 million residential project, which has now been regarded as an "oversight." The house held significant cultural value, as it was where the Young brothers formed AC/DC in 1973.

Despite being listed on the National Trust Register of Historic Homes since 2013, this designation did not provide legal protection against demolition. Leon Kmita, general manager of Burwood Square Pty Ltd, the development company responsible for the demolition, expressed regret over the incident. He stated that the company was unaware of the property's historical significance, attributing the oversight to a lack of disclosure by the previous owner.

Kmita said, "We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property's background with us."

In response to the backlash from AC/DC fans, Kmita announced plans to honor the band's legacy by salvaging materials from the demolished site to create a commemorative space, such as a café or bar, where fans can gather. He emphasized the company's commitment to making amends, stating, "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."

Why the house such a big deal to (some) AC/DC fans

AC/DC, formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, is renowned for its high-energy performances and has sold over 200 million records worldwide. The band's music is often described as hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal, though they prefer the classic term "rock and roll," which perfectly represents their straight-ahead rock attitude. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

The demolition of the Young brothers' childhood home has sparked outrage among fans, who consider the site a significant piece of rock history. Many have expressed disappointment that the house was not preserved as a museum or heritage site to celebrate the origins of a band that helped define rock and roll.

Burwood Council, the local governing body, has responded to the public outcry by highlighting previous initiatives to honor the Young brothers, including a mural and a choir medley of AC/DC songs. As the development proceeds, the commitment to creating a space that pays tribute to AC/DC's legacy offers some consolation to fans mourning the loss of this historic site.

The proposed commemorative space aims to provide a gathering place for fans to celebrate the impact of the band on the global music scene. Still, some fans will no doubt retain negative feelings and opt out of participating in such ventures. Either way, this story could be a lesson about doing more research before firing up those bulldozers and knocking something down.

AC/DC are scheduled to tour in their native Australia later on in 2025.