Sydney Home Dubbed The Birthplace Of AC/DC And The Easybeats Has Been Demolished

A Sydney home which has been considered to be one the birthplace of bands such as AC/DC and The Easybeats has been demolished by the local council.

As News.com.au reports, the Burwood address at 4 Burleigh Street is famed amongst music historians as being the childhood home of the Young brothers – that is, Malcolm, Angus, and George Young – following their migration from Scotland in the early ‘60s.

However, despite the home selling for $5.8 million in February 2023, it’s since been quietly demolished in a move that has angered music fans both home and abroad.

The Youngs moved to Australia in 1963, staying first at the Villawood Migrant Hostel, where George Young met fellow migrant and future musical collaborator Harry Vanda. The family moved into the Burwood house in 1965 following stays at other addresses.

That same year, George Young and Harry Vanda found fame with the release of their debut album as members of The Easybeats, while Angus Young and Malcolm Young would later form AC/DC in 1973.

In 2024, the address was immortalised thanks to a mural from Claire Foxton, who was commissioned by Burwood Council to depict Angus and Malcolm on the side of 12 Burleigh Street – just seconds from their childhood home.

Despite both the steps taken by Burwood Council to remember the impact of the Youngs on Burleigh Street, and claims that they should have done more to protect the house from demolition, the Council issued a statement to News.com.au last week defending its removal given it had been listed on the National Trust Register of Historic Houses in 2013.

“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 property’s 2023 purchase and its 2024 demotion were initiated by Burwood Square Pty Ltd, who also purchased the adjoining property at number 2. The now-vacant lot will be redeveloped into a $28.75 million residential site.

Currently, rumours are swirling that AC/DC will end their decade-long drought of shows in Australia with a tour later this year. There’s no word as to whether Angus might stop off in Burwood to pay respects to his family home.