An Australian construction company has issued an apology after a Sydney house that was once home to future AC/DC members Angus and Malcolm Young was demolished.
The house at 4 Burleigh Street in the western Sydney suburb of Burwood was reportedly razed in late 2024 after being sold for $5.8 million in February 2023.
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In 1963, the Young family moved to Australia from Scotland, first living in the Villawood Migrant Hostel. It was here that the teenage George Young met his future musical collaborator, Dutch immigrant Harry Wanda.
Together they formed The Easybeats in late 1964, and their iconic song “Friday on My Mind” is considered one of Australia’s most enduring working-class anthems. The song was released in 1966 and peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1967. Ranked 7th on the leaderboard.
After living in other houses in the suburbs for a time, the Young family moved to Burleigh Street in 1965, where brothers Angus and Malcolm honed their musical talents. In 1973, the pair co-founded AC/DC, which has since become one of Australia’s most successful rock exports ever. George also played in the band’s early lineup, eventually taking on production duties with Wanda on their first record.
The speech’s legacy and importance to the Sydney community has been recognized many times over the years. In 2013 the house was listed on the National Historic Buildings Trust Register, and in 2024 the local Burwood Council commissioned a mural of Angus and Malcolm by artist Claire Foxton It can still be seen on the side of No. 12 Burleigh Street.
When news of the house’s demolition broke in late December, outrage from fans and the local community reached Burwood Council, which defended the demolition despite the address being listed on the National Trust.
The committee said: “As it is not a listed or protected heritage property under local or state legislation and the National Trust is a community-based NGO with no statutory powers, the property has no enforceable protection.”
“Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate the Young family and the area’s rich musical heritage.”
The purchase and demolition of the house was reportedly initiated by local construction company Burwood Square Pty Ltd, which also purchased the adjoining property with the aim of redeveloping the site into a $28.75 million residential site
However, in a statement from Burwood Square general manager Leon Kmita (via release) herald sun), the company expressed regret over the demolition, claiming they were unaware of the house’s cultural importance.
“We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this important part of the property’s background with us,” Kmita said. “We were shocked to learn of this connection only after our plans had already begun. We deeply apologize for this oversight.
According to Kmita, the Burwood Square team is experimenting with recycled materials in order to create a “special space” for AC/DC fans to “come together and celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.”
“On behalf of the Burwood Square team, I would like to express our sincere regret… We now realize how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans around the world,” Kmita continued. “We feel a deep responsibility to honor AC/DC’s legacy and make amends to all of the fans who held the band in high esteem.
“While we cannot change the past, we are committed to celebrating this important part of their story,” he added. “To the global AC/DC fan base, please know that we hear you, thank you for your deep admiration for this legendary band, and your commitment to making this right.”
