Developers Apologize After Demolishing Childhood Home of AC/DC’s Angus and Malcolm Young

An Australian construction company has issued an apology following the demolition of a Sydney home that once housed future AC/DC members Angus and Malcolm Young.

The house, which had been located at 4 Burleigh Street in the Western Sydney suburb of Burwood, was reportedly razed in late 2024 following a sale in February 2023 for AUD $5.8 million.

In 1963, the Young family moved to Australia from Scotland, first staying at the Villawood Migrant Hostel. It was here that a teenaged George Young met his future musical collaborator, Dutch migrant Harry Vanda.

Together, they would form The Easybeats in late 1964, with their signature song “Friday on My Mind” being regarded as one of Australia’s most enduring working class anthems. Released in 1966, the track would reach No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1967. The pair’s wildly-successful Vanda & Young partnership would also result in writing “Love is in The Air”, which reached No. 7 on the Hot 100 after being recorded by the unrelated John Paul Young in 1977.

The Young family moved to the Burleigh Street address in 1965 after time spent at other houses in the suburb, with brothers Angus and Malcolm honing their musical talents while living there. In 1973, the pair would co-found AC/DC, who have since become one of Australia’s most successful rock exports of all time. George would also play in the group’s early lineups, eventually taking on production duties for their first records alongside Vanda.

The legacy and importance of the address to the Sydney community had been recognized numerous times over the years. In 2013, the house was listed on the National Trust Register of Historic Houses, and in 2024 the local Burwood Council commissioned a mural of Angus and Malcolm by artist Claire Foxton which is still visible on the side of 12 Burleigh Street.

News broke of the house’s demolition in late December, with outrage from both fans and the local community reaching the Burwood Council, who defended the demolition despite the presence of the address on the National Trust.

“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,” the Council stated.

“Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate the Young family and the area’s rich musical heritage.”

Per reports, the purchase and demolition of the house were initiated by local construction company Burwood Square Pty Ltd , who had also purchased the adjoining property with the intent of redeveloping the location into a AUD $28.75 million residential site

However, in a statement from Burwood Square general manager Leon Kmita (published via The Herald Sun), the company has shared their regret for the demolition, claiming they were unaware of the cultural importance held by the house.

“We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us,” Kmita said. “Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.”

According to Kmita, the Burwood Square team are in the process of attempting to salvage materials so they can create a “special space” for fans of AC/DC to “gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy”.

“On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret … we now recognise how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide,” Kmita continued. “We feel a strong responsibility to honour AC/DC’s legacy and to make amends to all the fans who hold this band in such high regard.

“While we cannot change the past, we are dedicated to celebrating this significant part of their story,” he added. “To the global fanbase of AC/DC, please know that we hear you, appreciate your deep admiration for this legendary band, and are devoted to making this right.”