Former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade has announced his retirement from drumming, saying the decision was made “with a heavy heart”. The Welsh musician said the effects of a minor stroke he suffered around seven years ago have worsened, preventing him from continuing to perform as he had hoped. His retirement ends a professional career spanning roughly six decades, including work with Tom Jones, Manfred Mann, The Firm and AC/DC.

Slade, nearly 80, began playing professionally at 16 and thanked audiences and his band, The Chris Slade Timeline, for their support. He had hoped to remain active into his eighties, like The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney, but said his health now made that unrealistic. He has also been working for decades on an autobiography, which he said is largely written and could eventually run to several volumes.