Fans Outraged After Iconic Piece Of Rock History Quietly Demolished

In a controversial move that has left Australian music fans reeling, the iconic Young family home in Burwood, Sydney, has been quietly demolished.

The house, located at 4 Burleigh Street, was a vital part of Australian rock history, as it served as the childhood home of AC/DC founders Malcolm and Angus Young, as well as their older brother George Young of the Easybeats.

The property, purchased in February 2023 for $5.8 million, was recently leveled without fanfare, erasing a tangible link to the origins of one of the world’s most legendary rock bands. The demolition has drawn ire from fans and cultural historians alike, who argue that the house should have been preserved as a historic site.

The Young family migrated from Scotland to Australia in 1963, initially settling at the Villawood Migrant Hostel before moving to Burwood in 1965. It was at this unassuming suburban home that Malcolm and Angus began their musical journey, culminating in the formation of AC/DC in 1973.

Meanwhile, their older brother George co-founded the Easybeats in 1964, cementing the family’s legacy in Australian rock history.

News of the demolition has sparked outrage among fans, with a particularly fiery reaction coming from Utopia Records:

The council has hit back at criticism from fans, emphasising that they have undertaken “several initiatives” to celebrate the legacy of the Young family. Burwood Council commissioned a mural dedicated to Angus and Malcolm Young to be painted down the road at 12 Burleigh Street. Earlier this year, they also organised a 300-strong AC/DC choir medley in honour of the musicians, performed during a council-hosted Burwood Street Party.

“Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate the Young family and the area’s rich musical heritage,” the council said in a statement.

The property was purchased by Burwood Square Pty Ltd, which also acquired the neighbouring property at 2 Burleigh Street. The space is being redeveloped into a $28.75 million residential site, further distancing the area from its historic roots.

While the mural and choir highlight the community’s appreciation for the Young family’s contributions, the demolition of their family home underscores the fragile state of cultural preservation. Fans now hope the loss of 4 Burleigh Street will ignite a broader conversation about preserving sites of cultural and historical significance.