Council defends AC/DC house decision

Burwood council has issued a statement after the childhood home of AC/DC’s founding members was quietly demolished in recent weeks.

Burwood council has hit back at outraged Aussie music fans after the historic home of AC/DC was quietly demolished in recent weeks.

The number 4 house on Burleigh Street in Sydney’s inner west was the childhood home of talented Aussie musicians Malcolm, Angus and George Young after the family migrated from Scotland in 1963.

Malcolm and Angus would go on to found AC/DC in 1973 while older brother George co-founded rock band the Easybeats in 1964. Both Malcolm and George died in 2017, with Angus still touring with the band at age 69.

The famous Young House was bought in February 2023 for $5.8 million before being demolished recently.

The house before being demolished. Picture: Facebook

Photos of the demolished home were posted to the AC/DC fan page. Picture: Facebook

The demolition confused fans as the house was listed on the National Trust Register of Historic Houses in 2013.

However, in a statement to news.com.au, the council said the register does not protect homes from being knocked down.

“As it is not heritage listed or protected under local or state legislation, and because The National Trust is a community-based, non-government organisation, with no statutory authority, the property does not have enforceable protections,” they said.

Easybeats members Dick Diamonde, Stevie Wright, George Young and Margaret Young outside the home in Burwood. Picture: Jill Molan

The council also hit back at criticism from fans that they should have done more to protect the home – pointing out 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. It commissioned an AC/DC Choir Medley to honour the musicians.

“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 – who also bought 2 Burleigh St.

The space is being used to develop a $28.75 million residential site.

After leaving Scotland in 1963, the Young family first lived in Villawood Migrant Hostel before the boys’ father managed to find work.

The mural painted at 12 Burleigh St Burwood. Picture: Burwood Council

The family lived in a few other homes in Burwood before moving permanently to 4 Burleigh Street in 1965.

Brothers Malcolm and Angus attended Burwood Primary School and then Ashfield Boys High School, with the uniform inspiring the band’s onstage outfit.

The uniforms were modified by their older sister Margaret – whose sewing machine had two power options: AC or DC.

According to the Burwood Council website, police often were required to attend Burleigh Street once the band became famous.

“At one stage in their early fame crowds of young people started to gather around the house on Burleigh Street – breaking windows, obstructing the street and even breaking into the house,” the council website states.

“Several times the police were called to restore order.”

The move to demolish the home has caused outrage among fans – who believe the home should have been turned into an AC/DC museum.

“How does this happen. An utter disgrace,” one person wrote on the AC/DC – Rock ‘n’ Roll Thunder fan page.

Another fan wrote: “That’s awful to see such destruction of history not only for the Australian music and cultural history, but also a possible museum tourist destinations destroyed like that! So very sad!”

“They could have sold small pieces as souvenirs,” another suggested.

Originally published as Council defends AC/DC house decision