The unassuming white single-family home on Burleigh Street in the Sydney, Australia suburb of Burwood didn’t stand out from other houses around it. Countless people walked or drove by it every day without batting an eye. However, it was the birthplace of one of the most iconic bands in rock music history. That house was the childhood home of Angus and Malcolm Young and where they started AC/DC. Now, that house is gone.
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Burwood Square Pty Ltd purchased No. 4 Burleigh Street and adjacent properties for $5.8 million in 2023, according to News.Com.Au. Recently, the developers bulldozed the house as part of their plan to build a larger residential space. Leon Kmita, Burwood Square’s general manager claims the company was unaware of the property’s historical significance.
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The home was listed on Australia’s National Trust List of Historic Homes in 2013. However, the local council failed to register the house that was the birthplace of AC/DC on its local historic registry.
Developers Apologize After Bulldozing AC/DC Founders’ House
Leon Kmita released a statement on behalf of Burwood Square Pty Ltd after learning of the house’s connection to AC/DC. “On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret that we have only just learnt of the cultural significance of 4 Burleigh Street, the former home of AC/DC, one of history’s most iconic bands,” Kmita wrote.
“As we developed plans for this space, we conducted due diligence, including consulting heritage registers and collaborating with experts in the field,” he added. “Unfortunately, the historical connection was not identified at that stage, and we regret the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us,” Kmita added.
The house on Burleigh Street wasn’t just where AC/DC began. It was also a pilgrimage point for diehard fans of the band. Now, they can no longer visit the house that helped spawn some of their favorite songs. However, Kmita and Burwood Square hope to give fans a new place to visit.
“We are now salvaging materials from the demolition to create a special space, such as a café, bar, or live music venue, where fans can gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy,” Kmita revealed. “We are also committed to seeking a collaboration with the Young family, fan groups, and cultural experts to ensure our tribute is meaningful and respectful,” he added.
Kmita addressed the band’s fans in the statement as well. “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,” he wrote.
Burwood Council Issues a Statement
Burwood Council issued a separate statement after news of the demolition broke. “The Young family’s contribution to the Australian music scene has been widely recognized by the Burwood Council and fans across the globe,” they wrote. “We like many others are saddened and disappointed by the demolition of 4 Burleigh Street,” they added.
Then, the council noted that it had nothing to do with the demolition of the AC/DC founders’ former house. “The owner, under state government planning controls, engaged a private certifier authorized to issue a complying development certificate, requiring only two days’ notice to Council before demolition works commence,” the statement explained. “Council has long maintained that the Young House, located at 4 Burleigh Street Burwood has a special association with Australia’s rock music history as the house where band AC/DC formed.”
The council has commissioned a mural of the Young brothers near where their childhood home stood. Additionally, they are “coordinating a 300-person strong choir medley celebrating their contributions.”
Featured Image by Ross Marino/Getty Images
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