Sydney’s so-called cultural ‘elites’ have come under fire for allegedly blocking efforts to properly honour one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands, AC/DC.
Outspoken NSW MP Jeremy Buckingham has unleashed on the city’s establishment, accusing them of looking down their noses at the legendary rockers.
‘It’s completely f***ed. This is cultural cringe at its worst,’ the Legalise Cannabis Party MP told NewsWire.
‘Sydney’s elites don’t want to acknowledge one of the greatest exports this country has ever produced – working-class rock ‘n’ roll. It’s snobs turning up their noses up at bogans.’
AC/DC were formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young and went on to become one of Australia’s most successful rock bands ever, selling over 200 million albums worldwide.
However, despite their enduring legacy, the city has barely recognised them, offering nothing more than a small mural in Burwood where the Young brothers grew up.
Sydney’s so-called cultural ‘elites’ have come under fire for allegedly blocking efforts to properly honour one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands, AC/DC. (Pictured in 2000)
Mr. Buckingham says that wasn’t good enough and earlier this week questioned NSW Premier Chris Minns on what he plans to do about it.
‘I think it’s time the government steps up and recognises the monumental achievement of the Young family in building Australia’s most successful artistic act ever,’ Mr. Buckingham said at a budget hearing.
‘Fans need a place to come and celebrate one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll acts in history.
‘Their music is still played in stadiums, cars and houses all over the world every day. This is in part of the cultural cringe and snobbery in this state. We recognise other artists, but not AC/DC because they are seen as bogans and working class?’
Mr. Minns said he would consider the proposal.
‘I love AC/DC. I don’t see why I am being fitted up as anti-AC/DC. I can take it on notice, it sounds like a good idea,’ he said.
In December, the Sydney childhood home of AC/DC legends Angus and Malcolm Young was demolished, in a move which infuriated music fans.
The property, located in the Sydney suburb of Burwood, was the first Australian home of rockers Angus, Malcolm and George Young, after they moved to Australia from Scotland in 1963.
The modest home was purchased in February 2023 for $5.8million and demolished last year, leaving a vacant lot in its place.
Outspoken NSW MP Jeremy Buckingham (left) has unleashed on the city’s establishment, accusing them of looking down their noses at the legendary rockers and questioned NSW Premier Chris Minns (right) on what he plans to do about it
Furious fans took to social media to express their disappointment at the piece of rock history being bulldozed.
‘Awful to see destruction of history not only for the Australian music and cultural history, but also a possible museum tourist destinations destroyed! Very sad!’ one heartbroken fan wrote.
The Burwood Council revealed on their website the home had become somewhat of a tourist attraction for die-hard rock fans.
‘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,’ they wrote.
AC/DC were formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young and went on to become one of Australia’s most successful rock bands ever, selling over 200 million albums worldwide
However, despite their enduring legacy, the city has barely recognised them, offering nothing more than a small mural in Burwood, where the Young brothers grew up
‘Several times the police were called to restore order.’
AC/DC has been performing non-stop since 1973 when the Young brothers formed the band with Scottish vocalist Bon Scott.
Lead guitarist Angus Young is the only founding member still with the band, as Scott died in 1980 and his brother Malcolm passed away in 2017.
Their latest album Power Up was released in 2020 and is their first since Malcolm’s death.
