A developer in Australia has come under fire for accidentally demolishing the house where legendary rock band AC/DC was formed. The site, located at 4 Burleigh Street in the Sydney suburb of Burwood, was a cultural landmark frequented by fans from around the globe.
The single-story brick home was where Malcolm and Angus Young of AC/DC lived as teenagers when they, alongside their older brother George, founded the band. George was also the guitarist for the renowned 1960s band, the Easybeats.
The Young family emigrated from Scotland to Australia, initially living in a migrant hostel before settling on Burleigh Street in 1965. The home became a hub for their burgeoning musical careers. When the Easybeats gained fame, the property attracted attention, leading to a frenzy after a magazine revealed its address. Hundreds of teenage girls reportedly surrounded the home, with some even forcing their way inside, famously trampling a young Angus Young in the chaos.
The property was purchased in March 2023 for AUD 5.8 million (EUR 3.5 million) by Burwood Square, a real estate development company. It was demolished in late 2024, with the company stating they were unaware of the site’s historical significance. “We deeply regret not knowing the cultural connection to AC/DC,” said the company’s general manager. “The previous long-term owner did not share this important information with us.”
The site is set to be transformed into a 50-story tower, standing 144 meters tall, with plans for 120 hotel rooms and 48 affordable apartments.
Although the house was listed on the Australian National Trust Register in 2013, it did not receive protective status to prevent demolition. A 2015 discussion by the Burwood Council on whether to declare it a heritage site concluded against the idea, citing that the band’s residence was too short-lived to be deemed significant to AC/DC’s life and work.
Despite the decision, the band’s fans and the broader rock community continue to recognize the house’s importance. A social media post from the band earlier this year highlighted the property’s historical significance, showing that for many, its value was far from forgotten.
