Childhood home of AC/DC’s Angus and Malcolm Young demolished by developers
The childhood home of Angus and Malcolm Young, the founding brothers of AC/DC, has been mistakenly demolished by developers who claim they were unaware of its cultural significance.
The house, located at 4 Burleigh Street in the Inner West area of Sydney, Australia, had been bulldozed over recent weeks following it being purchased for $5.8million by developers in February 2023. The property was listed on the National Trust List of Historic Homes back in 2013. However, the developers, Burwood Square Pty Ltd, assert that they were not informed of its cultural value before they knocked it down to make way for a $28.75million residential complex.
The Young family emigrated from Scotland to Australia in 1963. After living in other homes, they moved to 4 Burleigh Street in 1965. Angus and Malcolm attended the local Burwood Primary School and Ashfield Boys High School. They then formed AC/DC in 1973.
According to news.com.au, Burwood Square Pty Ltd’s general manager, Leon Kmita, has apologised. “We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us,” he said. “Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.”
Kmita said his team want to salvage materials from the site and honour the historic building by erecting a “special space” like a café or bar where AC/DC fans can “gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.”
Kmita apologised on behalf of the company, saying he wanted to convey their “heartfelt regret”. He explained they feel “a strong responsibility” to honour AC/DC’s legacy and “make amends” to the fans.
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.”
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