In the wee music corners of the rock and roll universe, a star has faded out of view. The world bows its head to bid adieu to the drummer extraordinaire, really, a percussion legend — Colin Burgess, who once propelled the thunderous, hard rock soundscape of none other than AC/DC. Death enacted its cruel script, escorting him off our world's stage at the age of 77.
AC/DC took to their Facebook page, the words raw yet replete with respect. 'Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess.' Without needing to see a signature, fans around the world could feel the heartfelt loss pouring out. The tribute continued, 'He was our first drummer and a very respected musician. Happy memories, rock in peace Colin.”
As to the cause of death, no details have been released, adding to the somber silence left in the drumming legend's wake.
A rewind to November 1973 and we remember a pivotal moment in rock history: Burgess becomes a critical part of the formation of AC/DC. Alongside him, wielding their impressively skilled instruments of destruction: Malcolm Young with his trusty rhythm guitar, his brother Angus riffing on lead guitar, Dave Evans piercing the air with his powerful vocals, and Larry Van Kriedt eliciting deep, resonant tones from his bass. A motley crew transforming into an indomitable rock force.
But life has its twists and turns and music is hardly immune. February 1974 saw Burgess facing accusations of drunkeness on stage — a charge he backed down from, claiming a spiked drink. After being dismissed, the drumming throne saw several successors, with Burgess stepping in for one of them briefly in 1975.
Of course, AC/DC was not his only rodeo. Before hitting it big, Burgess was part of the Australian rock group The Masters Apprentices, whose earth-shattering contributions to rock added a well-deserved accolade to their legacy — an induction into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame in 1998.
As we remember him, let's keep the rhythms of his legendary beats alive in our hearts. Rock in peace, Colin. Rock in peace indeed.
