The Australian rock band announced the passing of musician Colin Burgess today (16 December) through its social media pages. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.

Before joining AC/DC, Burgess played in various bands alongside his brother, Denny, and later served as a drummer in the pop rock band The Masters Apprentices from 1968 to 1972, a group later inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

In 1973, Burgess became AC/DC’s first drummer, joining Angus Young on lead guitar, Dave Evans on lead vocals, Larry Van Kriedt on bass guitar, and Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar. He left the heavy metal rock band in February 1974 but returned for a brief stint in 1975.

AC/DC shared the news of Burgess’ passing on its social media platforms, expressing sadness and remembering him as their first drummer and a respected musician. The post conveyed condolences and wished Burgess to “rock in peace.”

The current lineup of the band includes Angus Young, vocalist Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams on bass, drummer Phil Rudd, and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, who is Angus’s nephew.

Fans have been expressing their condolences on social media, remembering Burgess as a part of the pioneering generation of Australian musicians and sharing their sorrow for the loss. Many highlighted his individuality and contribution to the Australian music industry.