In a shocking turn of events

the family home where legendary rock band AC/DC was formed has been unintentionally demolished by a property developer in Burwood, Australia. This house, located at 4 Burleigh Street, was not just a simple dwelling; it was a pilgrimage site for fans dedicated to one of the most influential bands in music history.

Iconic moments in a historic location

Imagine the iconic moments that took place within those four walls! Malcolm and Angus Young, along with their brother George Young—the guitarist of the famous band The Easybeats—lived in this very house as teenagers during the nascent stages of AC/DC. The Young family moved to Australia from Scotland in 1965, settling in Burwood after initially living in a migrant hostel.

Fervent fan riot

The house had a reputation that echoed beyond its brick walls. In fact, a fervent fan riot broke out outside the property when a fan magazine revealed the Young family's address. Hundreds of high school girls swarmed the site, and some even forced their way inside, trampling a young Angus Young in the frenzy, showcasing just how impactful the band was even at that early stage.

Recent events surrounding the property

Fast forward to March 2023, when the house was purchased by a property developer known as Burwood Square for a staggering 5.8 million Australian dollars (approximately US$3.6 million). Just last month, the building was demolished—a heartbreaking loss for rock enthusiasts everywhere. The developer claimed they were unaware of the house's cultural significance, despite conducting due diligence. Leon Kamita, the general manager of the company, expressed regret, stating, “Unfortunately the historical connection to AC/DC was not identified... Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us.”

Future plans for the site

Plans for the site include constructing a towering 50-story building, complete with 120 hotel rooms and 48 affordable housing units. This kind of gentrification raises eyebrows, especially considering the rich history of the land.

The house's tumultuous history

Originally constructed in the early 20th century in the “Federation style,” the house struggled to maintain its appearance after the Young family moved out in 1978. It had a bizarre history after becoming a brothel in 1985, and later served as a medical practice, before being rented out until the recent purchase.

Heritage status and cultural recognition

Despite being listed on the Australian National Trust Register in 2013, the house never received the necessary heritage protections to prevent its demolition. In 2015, Burwood Council reviewed the house to determine its eligibility for heritage listing but ultimately did not recommend it, citing that the band’s “period of habitation was too brief” to warrant such designation. However, the council acknowledged the special association the house has with Australia’s rock history. Efforts are underway to honor AC/DC's legacy, including the commissioning of a mural near the site.

A silver lining amid loss

In a silver lining, Burwood Square stated it is “dedicated” to celebrating the location and plans to salvage materials from the demolition to create a gathering space for fans.

Conclusion

Truly, the loss of AC/DC’s birthplace is a grim reminder of how quickly history can be erased in the name of development. As we mourn this iconic site, one must wonder what other pieces of rock 'n' roll history are at risk of disappearing forever! Stay tuned, rock fans, as we continue to follow the fallout from this devastating loss!