“It’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing my retirement from drumming.” Former AC/DC man Chris Slade calls time on career at 79
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Former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade has confirmed his retirement from drumming at the age of 79, releasing a personal statement explaining that a "small stroke" suffered around seven years ago has worsened over time and left him unable to continue performing. The Welsh musician, who began his professional career at 16 alongside Tom Jones, said he had hoped to keep playing into his 80s like the Rolling Stones or Paul McCartney but accepted this was no longer possible, thanking fans for attending his shows over the years.
Slade is best known for his role on AC/DC's hugely successful 1990 album The Razors Edge, and also drummed for Tom Jones, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Asia and Uriah Heep. He was dropped by AC/DC in favour of Phil Rudd in 1994, later admitting he was hurt by the decision and had turned down Malcolm Young's offer to stay on as Rudd's understudy; Slade returned to the band in 2015 for the Rock or Bust tour after Rudd ran into legal trouble.
- Chris Slade, 79, retires from drumming after decades-long career
- Cites worsening effects of a stroke suffered seven years ago
- Best known for AC/DC's 1990 album The Razors Edge
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Chris Slade is a Welsh drummer who has played with major names in rock music since his teens, including Tom Jones, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Uriah Heep and Asia. He is best known for his time in AC/DC, one of the world's biggest rock bands, where he played drums on their 1990 album The Razors Edge, a huge commercial success.
Slade's relationship with AC/DC has come in stages rather than one continuous run. He left the band in 1994, replaced by Phil Rudd, but rejoined in 2015 to cover for Rudd on the Rock or Bust tour after Rudd ran into legal difficulties. He had earlier turned down a chance to stay on permanently as Rudd's understudy at the request of the late Malcolm Young, one of AC/DC's founding guitarists.
Now aged 79, Slade suffered a minor stroke seven years ago, and its lasting effects form the backdrop to his decision to stop performing. His case is often discussed alongside other veteran musicians, such as the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney, who have continued touring into their eighties.