Canadian and U.S. audiences remember Colin Burgess, longtime drummer whose early work with AC/DC left a lasting imprint on rock history
Colin Burgess, a foundational figure in Australian rock and the original drummer for AC/DC, has passed away at age 77. The news emerged through AC/DC’s official social media channel, a post that serves as a public tribute from the band to a musician who helped shape the group in its formative years.
The band’s statement expressed sincere condolences, noting Burgess’s pioneering role as the first drummer for a rock powerhouse that would go on to influence countless artists around the world. The message also highlighted the high regard in which he was held by his fellow musicians and colleagues, who remember him with warmth and respect. In their public note, the members of AC/DC conveyed their fond memories of Burgess and the lasting impact of his early contributions on the band’s legacy.
In closing, the band’s representatives offered a simple wish for Burgess to rest in peace, a sentiment that conveys both respect for the drummer but also a nod to the hard truths of life in the music industry. The wording chosen by the post reflects a respectful, profession-aware tribute, rather than a conventional phrase, and underscores Burgess’s identity as a drummer whose work resonated far beyond his era of activity.
At the time of his passing, Burgess was 77 years old. While the announcement confirms his death, it does not provide details about the cause or circumstances, leaving those questions for family and future official statements to address as appropriate.
Meanwhile, the world’s attention turned to other high-profile tributes in late 2023. In October, American actor Matthew Perry, widely recognized for his role in the television series Friends, was reported to have died at the age of 54. Reports indicated that Perry’s body was found at his Los Angeles home, with authorities noting no signs of foul play at the scene. The news sparked an outpouring of remembrances from fans and colleagues alike, who recalled Perry’s wit, vulnerability, and decades of work in film and television.
Following the initial coverage, media outlets referenced later findings, including a report from a reputable newspaper noting that a substance was detected in Perry’s bloodstream. The report explained that the concentration observed was consistent with a dose used for anesthesia during medical procedures, which added layers of discussion about the complexities of substance use, medical contexts, and the various factors that can accompany celebrity experiences with medication and prescriptions.
In a separate note of remembrance, fans and observers also acknowledged the passing of Andrey Shatalin, the founder of the Russian rock band Alice, whose creative influence helped introduce a new wave of rock sounds in the region. Shatalin’s passing closed a chapter in a scene that had long thrived on collaboration, experimentation, and cultural exchange across borders, leaving behind an enduring legacy for listeners and musicians alike.
Across the globe, these tributes underscore how the music world keeps track of its pioneers and the ways in which the public commemorates artists who left enduring marks on genres, bands, and the broader musical landscape. Burgess’s early work with AC/DC remains a touchstone for fans exploring the band’s origins, while Perry’s career illustrates the reaches of television and film in shaping contemporary stardom. The conversations surrounding these legacies remind readers that the arc of a musician’s life often intersects with broader cultural narratives, media coverage, and the evolving understanding of fame, health, and the responsibilities of public memory.