Yahoo Lifestyle Push for AC/DC statue in ‘snobby’ Sydney
A NSW MP has hit out at Sydney’s cultural “elites” for allegedly stopping the city from properly recognising legendary Aussie rockers AC/DC.
“It’s completely f**ked,” Legalise Cannabis Party MP Jeremy Buckingham told NewsWire on Wednesday.
“What it is, it’s cultural cringe. Sydney elites don’t want to recognise 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. They can go take a running jump.”
Malcolm and Angus Young formed AC/DC in Sydney in 1973, with the pair growing up in the inner-western suburb of Burwood.
But there is presently only a small mural in Burwood saluting the band’s achievements, despite 50 years of massive popularity.
Mr Buckingham wants a public memorial in the city to salute “Australia’s most successful artistic act ever”.
“I think it’s time the government recognise the monumental achievement of the Young family in building Australia’s most successful artistic act ever,” he said.
“Where the legions of fans who love AC/DC can come and celebrate one of the greatest rock and roll acts in history.”
At a budget estimates hearing on Wednesday, Mr Buckingham pressed Premier Chris Minns directly on the matter.
“Their music is still played in stadia, in cars and houses all over the world every day,” Mr Buckingham said.
“Is in part of the cultural cringe and snobbery in this state, that we recognise other artists, but we don’t recognise AC/DC because they are seen as bogans and working class?”
“I love AC/DC,” Mr Minns said in reply.
“I don’t see why I am being fitted up as anti-AC/DC. (I) come into here to answer questions and all of a sudden …”
Mr Buckingham asked if the government would rectify “this egregious situation” by “committing to a significant public memorial and event to recognise AC/DC’s globally significant contribution to the arts, the life of our city and state, our nation, and humanity generally?”
Mr Minns, appearing taken aback, said he would look into the proposal.
“I know the Youngs. I love AC/DC. Perhaps I can take it on notice. But it sounds like a good idea,” he said.
Speaking after the hearing, Mr Buckingham told NewsWire the Premier’s response was a “good first step” but “time was of the essence” and a memorial needed to be built quickly.
“I don’t want a soft pedal on this,” he said.
“We can build memorials. Outside parliament, there’s a gigantic statue to an 18th century Scottish poet that no one has ever heard of. Yet (band members) Angus, Malcolm, Bon, all those band members, they get zero, nothing.”
Mr Buckingham said he would write to the Premier again and raise the matter when parliament returned.
AC/DC has sold an estimated 200 million albums worldwide and boasts classic hits such as Thunderstruck and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.
A Sydney developer bulldozed over the Youngs’ Burwood childhood home late last year, even though the home was heritage listed.
The demolition sparked community outrage, with the developer blaming the home’s previous owner for the oversight.
“We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us,” Burwood Square Pty Ltd general manager Leon Kmita said.
“Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us.
“We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.”
