AC/DC and Burwood
AC/DC were once dubbed ‘the battlers from Burwood’.
William Young and his wife Margaret decided they had had enough of the challenging conditions of the tough suburbs of Glasgow after the war. They packed up the family, with six of their seven offspring, and applied for assisted passages to Australia.
The first home for the Youngs in Australia was the Villawood Migrant Hostel. William Young soon found work, and it is believed they lived in a few other homes in Burwood before moving to their more permanent home at 4 Burleigh Street, Burwood. Brothers Malcolm and Angus attended Burwood Primary School and then Ashfield Boys High School, with the uniform becoming the inspiration for his on-stage outfit.
It’s the ultimate migrant success story, that is still part of Burwood’s story today. As the fifth most diverse local government area in Australia, with 58% of Burwood residents born overseas and one third of our population arriving to Australia in the last five years, it’s a story many of us can relate to.
As many music fans know, the Young family were musically gifted. They would go on to become global superstars of rock. They have stamped a permanent mark on rock music not just in Australia, but globally.
In addition to AC/DC's iconic presence in Burwood, the neighbourhood boasts another renowned musical connection.
Their brother George Young, teamed up with Harry Vanda and Stevie Wright when they met at the Villawood Hostel to form The Easybeats, Australia’s first internationally acclaimed rock ‘n’ roll band. We believe that Stevie Wright moved into the Young home in Burwood and Harry Vanda also moved to Albert Crescent, Burwood - living just a few streets away.
At one stage in their early fame crowds of young people started to gather around the house on Burleigh Street - breaking windows, obstructing the street and even breaking into the house. Several times the police were called to restore order.
Back in Black - a council commissioned mural dedicated to Angus and Malcolm Young, located at 12 Burleigh St Burwood
The original Young family home, 4 Burleigh St Burwood
AC/DC Choir Medley
To celebrate our 150 year anniversary, Burwood Council commissioned an AC/DC Choir Medley, honouring iconic former residents, Angus and Malcom Young. The medley was brought to life by a 300-strong choir, in collaboration with the Adult Glee Club and local residents. The performance premiered at the
Burwood Street Party on 6 April 2024.
Music by AC/DC. Arranged by Darina Chakarova - Artistic Director, Adult Glee Club.