AC/DC's original drummer Colin Burgess has died.
The band announced the musician's death on Saturday and paid tribute to the “very respected” musician. He was 77 years old.
The band's heartfelt statement said: “It is 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.'
Colin's cause of death is unknown. Fans expressed their condolences in the comments on the band's post.
AC/DC's original drummer Colin Burgess has died. The band announced the musician's death on Saturday and paid tribute to the “very respected” musician. He was 77 years old
The band's heartfelt statement said: “It is 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
One wrote: “Very sad news as I love rock music especially from Australia and he was part of a generation of great musicians who started the music industry in Australia. His condolences go out to his family and friends.”
Others said: “I'm very sad to hear of Colin's death, may he rest in peace!” and “Rest in peace Colin, you did a lot for young bands.”
The band's original members were vocalist Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, drummer Colin, lead guitarist Angus Young and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young.
Their biggest song worldwide was Highway to Hell, which reached number 17 in the US and number eight in the UK.
Other successful albums were “Back in Black” and “For Those About to Rock We Salute You”.
Colin joined the band in 1973 but was fired a year later after being accused of being drunk on stage. He later claimed someone had spiked his drink.
The drummer was replaced by a succession of drummers before Phil Rudd joined in 1975.
Colin temporarily stepped in for a few weeks when Phil injured himself at his desk earlier this year.
The band's original members were singer Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Kriedt, drummer Colin, lead guitarist Angus Young and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young (pictured in 2002).
Fans expressed their condolences in the comments on the band's post
AC/DC sold more than 200 million records (LR) bassist Cliff Williams, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, Angus Young, drummer Simon Wright and singer Brian Johnson (1983)
The current line-up of AC/DC includes singer Brian Johnson (from 1980 to 2016 and since 2018).
By a twist of fate, Colin was at the Music Factory in London on the night Bon Scott died in February 1980 and was one of the last people to speak to him before he left the club.
Colin was also the drummer for Masters Apprentices from 1968 to 1972.
In October 1998, the Masters Apprentices were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame as a classic line-up consisting of Burgess, Ford, Keays and Wheatley.
A month later, both Burgess brothers were seriously injured in a car accident while driving to a CD launch party for Good Time Charlie.
Both Colin and Denny recovered and resumed their careers. They performed and recorded as The Burgess Brothers and renamed themselves Burgess Burgess in 2014.
AC/DC have sold more than 200 million records worldwide and cemented their reputation as one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
AC/DC's current line-up includes Angus Young, drummer Phil Rudd (from 1975 to 1983, 1994 to 2015 and since 2018), bassist Cliff Williams (from 1977 to 2016 and since 2018), singer Brian Johnson (from 1980 to 2016, and since 2018) and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young (nephew of Angus and Malcolm Young, member since 2014).