RIP, Colin.
But the article is less an obituary than propaganda, talking about the "conservative" values Burgess music represented.
This
Wikipedia article has a bit more information. Oddly enough, If Colin had strong political leanings, the don't seem to be well known.
That doesn't deter the writer of the article from proclaiming Burgess' life as a celebration of conservative philosophy:
In remembering Burgess, we also celebrate the values that his music represented: individualism, freedom of expression, and the rebellious spirit that challenges the status quo. These are not just the hallmarks of rock and roll but are also deeply woven into the fabric of conservative philosophy.
Because when you were a teen, when you though of of challenging the status quo, the
first thing that came to mind was "conservative philosophy" - right?
What's
especially weird is how he doesn't seem to care whether Burgess actually
was conservative, or even what Burgess' actual music was. Burgess was a
drummer who had no involvement in writing AC/DC's songs.
Yet the writer speaks of the "cultural impact" that Burgess had, without providing any sort of supporting evidence. You could literally replace "Burgess" with
any rock musician:
Burgess’s contribution to music was not just in the beats he played but in the spirit he infused into the rock genre. As a conservative, it’s essential to acknowledge the cultural impact that musicians like Burgess have had. They exemplify the power of artistry and hard work, values that resonate deeply within conservative ideals.
I'm not sure what "spirit" Burgess "infused into the rock genre". But if the writer is going to talk about "hard work", he should also acknowledge
how Burgess ended up losing the gig after a little more than a year with AC/DC:
The band fired Burgess in February 1974, accusing him of being drunk on stage; he later said someone had spiked his drink. He was followed by a succession of drummers and filled in for one for a few months in 1975.
He also writes:
Colin Burgess’s journey from the early days of AC/DC to becoming a revered figure in rock history is a narrative of perseverance and passion. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who believes in the power of dedication and the importance of leaving a mark on the world.
While Burgess was recognized for his accomplishments, I'm not sure he'd be written about if not for AC/DC. Burgess deserves better than an article that turns an obituary into propaganda for something Burgess may not have even supported.
Despite many setbacks, Burgess kept his career going, even recovering from a major car accident.
The fact that AC/DC later asked Burgess to step in for their injured drummer speaks highly of him. So does
this comment posted by a fan:
I’m surprised AC/DC even acknowledged this. They usually don’t like to talk about ex-band members. Rest in peace. Can I sit next to you girl is a great song that started it all!