Developers Who Flattened AC/DC Home Apologise for ‘Oversight’

In a major slap in the face for Australian music fans and historians, the developers who demolished the former Sydney home of AC/DC founders Malcolm and Angus Young and their Easybeats brother George claim they were “shocked” to discover its cultural significance.

Burwood Square Pty Ltd general manager Leon Kmita, whose company quietly demolished the home in recent weeks,  claims the company only discovered the home’s cultural and historical significance after it was bulldozed.

“Unfortunately the historical connection to AC/DC was not identified, and we regret 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.”

Despite being listed on the National Trust List of Historic Homes for over a decade, the Young family home at number 4 Burleigh Street Burwood, in Sydney’s inner west, was flattened after being purchased by developers in February 2023 for $5.8 million.

Kmita claimed that his team was now working to salvage materials from the demolition site to create a “special space,” such as a cafe or bar, where fans can gather to celebrate the band’s 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,” he 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.

“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.”

Formed in 1973, AC/DC is considered one the greatest rock bands to ever turn up an amp. The band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, and the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1988. 1980’s Back In Black is one of the three best-selling albums and the third-highest-certified album in U.S. history, according to the RIAA.

Replacing the home will be an enormous 144m, fifty-storey tower block with 120 hotel rooms and 48 affordable housing apartments.

You can read the full statement from Burwood Square Pty Ltd, as published by 9now, below:

“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 music history’s most iconic bands.

We now recognise how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide.

As we developed plans for this space, we conducted due diligence, including consulting heritage registers and collaborating with experts in the field.

Unfortunately, the historical connection to AC/DC was not identified at that stage, and we regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us.

We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.

Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us.

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.

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.

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.

Burwood Council has already acknowledged AC/DC’s connection to the area with an impressive mural nearby, and we share in that commitment.

We aim to ensure that our development also serves as a lasting tribute to their cultural impact.

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.”