AC/DC mourn the death of their drummer Colin Burgess

Legendary Australian band AC/DC is mourning the loss of its first drummer, Colin Burgess, who has died at the age of 77.

"Very sad to hear of the passing of Colin Burgess. He was our first drummer and a highly respected musician. We are left with happy memories, rest in peace Colin," AC/DC wrote on social media.

The cause of death was not reported in the reports.

Burgess was a founding member of the band, best known for the 1979 hit "Highway to Hell" and the 1980 album "Back in Black," along with original vocalist Dave Evans, bassist Larry Van Creedt plus guitarist brothers Angus and Malcolm Young.

AC/DC formed in 1973, but Burgess left the following year and was eventually replaced by the band's current drummer, Phil Rudd.

Burgess also founded the rock band The Masters Apprentices, which was inducted into the Australian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 1998. /BGNES