AC/DC's original drummer Colin Burgess has passed away at the age of 77.
The Australian rock band took to its social media pages to announce the passing of the musician earlier today (16 December).
No cause of death has been publicly released.
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Prior to joining AC/DC, Burgess performed in several bands alongside his brother, Denny, and was later a drummer in pop rock band The Masters Apprentices from 1968 to 1972 - the band inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
He then became AC/DC's first drummer in 1973, joining Angus Young on lead guitar, Dave Evans on lead vocals, Larry Van Kriedt on bass guitar and Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar.
In February, 1974, Burgess left the heavy metal rock band, however he later returned for another brief stint in 1975.
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AC/DC took to its X - formerly known as Twitter - Instagram and Facebook pages to announce Burgess' passing.
The band is currently made up of Angus Young, vocalist Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams on the bass, drummer Phil Rudd and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young - nephew of Angus.
The post reads: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess. He was our first drummer and a very respected musician.
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"Happy memories, rock in peace Colin."
Fans of the musician are flooding to social media to pay their respects to the star.
One Facebook user said: "Very sad news , as I love rock music especially from Australia, and he was a part of a generation of great musicians that kicked off the music industry in Australia, condolences to his family and friends."
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"Wonderful guy— there will only ever be one of him— he was an individual. Rest in peace 'Doggie'," another wrote.
A third commented: "Rest in peace and hope you rock out with the others on the other side And sorry for your loss of a friend and also to his family. As I said Rest in Peace and so sorry."
A fourth said: "Sorry for your loss. May you rest in peace Colin. And hope you bring some of your music to your band mates and keep rocking from heaven you all will be missed but not forgotten."
And a final resolved: "Very sad news just before Christmas, I wish his family all the best, Rock In Peace !"
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Music, Celebrity, World News, Australia, Social Media, Twitter
Poppy Bilderbeck