A foundation has been destroyed. The parents’ house of Malcolm and Angus Young, in which they decided on the plans to form AC/DC in 1973, is gone. It was demolished by a construction company in December 2024. The company said it did not know the history of the place.
But the parental home was no longer insignificant. The Youngs and their families moved to 4 Burleigh Street, Burwood, Sydney in 1965. Due to its cultural significance, it was added to the New South Wales National Trust Register of Historic Houses in 2013. But, and this probably became a problem: the register has no legal status. It therefore offers no protection against demolition.
So in December Burwood Square Pty Ltd had the building demolished. Everything for a multi-million dollar residential construction project.
The ruins of my parents’ house on Instagram:
It was foreseeable that this destruction of a music-historical house would not necessarily be well received by music fans. The owner of the record store “Utopia” wrote on Instagram: “[M]The most iconic residence in the entire country may have been demolished. One of my favorite things was bringing friends and musicians from all over the world to this location to get the ultimate AC/DC photo.”
In the further course of Instagram, the record store boss compares the former Young House with what is probably the most famous music museum in the world. “One house out of a continent of houses could not be protected as an Australian Rock Museum or a tourist destination for the millions of Acca fans worldwide? Graceland keeps Memphis alive. This place could have made money for Burwood for decades to come.”
“No one from the local council, the state government or the federal government got involved? Not even the person in charge, who seems to be a big fan of the Australian rock band?”
There is a lot of anger on Instagram – but also a not unjustified question. “Why didn’t AC/DC buy their parents’ house themselves, starting in the 1980s, if it’s so important?” It can’t be ruled out that the Young brothers don’t consider their parents’ house to be particularly historic in terms of music.
“We sincerely regret this omission”
Even in the construction company, it seems to be slowly dawning on people what their wrecking balls have leveled. Managing director Leon Kmita vowed to make amends. His plan: He wants to build a bar or café at this location. And use material that was recovered from the rubble of the Youngs’ house, as “Ultimate Classic Rock” reports.
“We regret that the previous long-time owner did not share this important part of the property’s history with us,” Kmita said in a statement. “When we found out about this connection, after our plans were already in the works, we were shocked. We sincerely regret this omission.”
He added that he and the entire team feel “deep regret.” “We now realize how deeply rooted this place is in the AC/DC community and fans worldwide.”
“We cannot change the past. But we are determined to celebrate this important part of their history. We want AC/DC’s global fan base to know that we hear them, appreciate their deep admiration for this legendary band, and are committed to making it right.”