AC/DC original drummer Colin Burgess dies at 77: ‘Rock in peace’

Colin Burgess, AC/DC’s original drummer, has died, the band announced Friday on social media. He was 77.

A native of Sydney, Australia, Burgess was also the drummer for the rock band the Masters Apprentices from 1968 to 1972. In 1973, he began his brief stint as the drummer for AC/DC.

“Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess,� AC/DC wrote on Facebook. “He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin.�

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Burgess was among the founding members of AC/DC, along with brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, Larry Van Kriedt and Dave Evans.

Burgess played on the group’s first single, “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl,� before he was fired in 1974 for allegedly performing while intoxicated, according to media reports. Burgess, who said at the time that his drink had been spiked, was later replaced on drums by Phil Rudd.

He then drummed with His Majesty, which became Good Time Charlie, and tribute band Dead Singer Band.

In 1998, Burgess and other members of the Masters Apprentices were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Assn.’s Hall of Fame. Their biggest songs included “5.10 Man,� “Think About Tomorrow Today,� “Turn Up Your Radio� and “Because I Love You.�

Known for hits including “Highway to Hell� and “Thunderstruck,� AC/DC’s current lineup comprises lead guitarist Angus Young, bassist Cliff Williams, drummer Rudd, lead singer Brian Johnson and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young. The band returned to the stage for the first time in more than seven years when the group played the Power Trip festival in Indio, Calif., in October.

Burgess’ cause of death was not provided.