Developers responsible for the demolition of the childhood home of AC/DC founding brothers Angus and Malcolm Young in Sydney, Australia, have issued an apology. They claim they were unaware the property was on the National Trust List of Historic Homes. Burwood Square Pty Ltd, the company behind the demolition, expressed remorse for their “oversight” in a statement obtained by news.com.au. General manager Leon Kmita stated that the company was “genuinely sorry” and “shocked” to learn of the home’s historical significance after demolition plans were already underway. He attributed the lack of awareness to the previous owner not disclosing this “vital part of the property’s background.”
Kmita pledged to salvage materials from the demolished site to create a new space, such as a cafe or bar, where AC/DC fans can “gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.” He acknowledged the deep resonance of the location for the AC/DC community and fans worldwide, conveying “heartfelt regret” on behalf of Burwood Square.
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The Young family home, located at 4 Burleigh Street, was purchased by developers in February 2023 for $5.8 million. According to consequence.net, the property was demolished to make way for a $28.75 million residential development. Angus Young, the band’s lead guitarist, is currently 69 years old. His brother, Malcolm, passed away in 2017 at the age of 64. Stevie Young, their nephew, has filled Malcolm’s role in the band since 2014.
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The surviving members of AC/DC include Brian Johnson, bassist Cliff Williams, and drummer Phil Rudd. Brian Johnson was temporarily replaced by Axl Rose in 2016 due to Johnson’s hearing loss. In his 2022 memoir, “The Lives of Brian,” Johnson, now 77, revealed that the hearing loss and subsequent lineup change led him to experience suicidal thoughts. He described feeling like he didn’t care anymore and contemplated a high-speed car crash as a way out, though clarifying he didn’t actively want to die.
However, Johnson was able to rejoin his bandmates in 2020. The band announced a reunion and is scheduled to embark on their “Power Up” tour in October 2025.
