The legendary rock band announced Burgess’ death through social media on Saturday (Dec. 16). A cause of death was not given.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess,” AC/DC captioned a photo of the drummer on Instagram. “He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin.”
Prior to his brief stint in AC/DC, Burgess was the drummer for Australian rock band Masters Apprentices. After the group’s split in 1972, he joined AC/DC alongside founding members, brothers Angus and Malcom Young and singer Dale Evans.
Four months after being recruited, Burgess was fired in February 1974 for supposedly performing while intoxicated.
He served as the drummer on AC/DC’s debut single “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl,” which became a minor hit in Australia.
Burgess was later replaced on drums by Phil Rudd, but he played a handful of shows in 1975 while Rudd recovered from a hand injury. “Can I Sit Next to You, Girl” was later re-recorded for AC/DC’s 1975 album, T.N.T., with Rudd on drums and new singer Bon Scott on vocals.
After his time with AC/DC, Burgess went on to perform in groups His Majesty, Good Time Charlie and Dead Singer Band.
Burgess wasn’t one of the AC/DC members to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but he was inducted into Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame for his contributions to Masters Apprentices.
