AC/DC fans are mourning the loss of a piece of the band’s history.
The Sydney, Australia house that the Young family moved into in 1965 has been demolished, despite being on Australia’s National Trust Register of Historic Houses since 2013.
It was in that house that brothers Malcolm and Angus Young formed the band in 1973.
Leon Kmita of Burwood Square Pty Ltd. says, “We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us. Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.
“On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret … we now recognize how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide. 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. To the global fan base of AC/DC, please know that we hear you, appreciate your deep admiration for this legendary band, and are devoted to making this right.”
Despite it being recognized on Australia’s National Trust Register of Historic Houses, the town council says, “As it is not heritage listed or protected under local or state legislation, and because The National Trust is a community-based, non-government organization, with no statutory authority, the property does not have enforceable protections. Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate the Young family and the area’s rich musical heritage.”
The modest house in the Sydney suburb of Burwood was bulldozed to make way for a multi-million dollar residential development, and the developers say they’ll open a bar or cafe on the site using material salvaged from the demolition for fans to “gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.”
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