The childhood home of founding AC/DC brothers Angus and Malcolm Young has been mistakenly demolished by developers who claim they had no idea of its significance.
The house, located at 4 Burleigh Street in Sydney’s inner west, was quietly bulldozed in recent weeks after being purchased by developers in February 2023 for $5.8 million, according to Australian outlet news.com.au. The property was listed on the National Trust List of Historic Homes in 2013, however, developers Burwood Square Pty Ltd said they were not informed of its cultural importance prior to leveling it to build a $28.75 million residential site.
Burwood Square Pty Ltd general manager Leon Kmita issued an apology in a official statement to news.com.au.
“We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us,” Kmita said. “Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.”
Kmita said that his team plans to salvage materials from the demo site and honor the historic property by erecting a “special space,” such as a cafe or bar, where AC/DC fans can “gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.”
“On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret … we now recognise how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide,” Kmita said. “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. While we cannot change the past, we are dedicated to celebrating this significant part of their story.”
He added, “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.”
The Young family moved into 4 Burleigh Street in 1965 after migrating from Scotland in 1963 and living in other homes in the Sydney suburb of Burwood. Malcolm and Angus attended the nearby Burwood Primary School and then Ashfield Boys High School, with the uniform inspiring Angus’ iconic onstage schoolboy outfit. The guitar-playing brothers would go on to form AC/DC in 1973.
Meanwhile, the current version of AC/DC will embark on a North American stadium tour this spring, with tickets available here. The band’s lineup features Angus alongside singer Brian Johnson, rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, bassist Chris Chaney, and drummer Matt Laug. Sadly, Malcolm passed away in 2017 after a battle with dementia.
Photos of the home before and after the demolition can be seen below (via Facebook).