Who was AC/DC's original drummer when the band formed in 1973?

AC/DC’s original drummer when the band formed in 1973 was Colin Burgess.

Burgess joined the newly formed group in November 1973, alongside Malcolm Young, Angus Young, vocalist Dave Evans and bassist Larry Van Kriedt. Before AC/DC, he had played with the Australian band the Masters Apprentices, giving the fledgling group a musician with established experience.

His tenure was brief. AC/DC dismissed Burgess in February 1974 after he appeared drunk onstage; Burgess later said that someone had spiked his drink. He was subsequently replaced by several drummers before Phil Rudd became the group’s best-known early drummer in 1975.

A common mix-up is choosing Phil Rudd, because Rudd played on major early albums such as T.N.T., Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and Let There Be Rock. Simon Wright and Chris Slade were also later AC/DC drummers, but neither was an original member.