Welsh drummer Chris Slade, best known for two stints with AC/DC, has retired from drumming after roughly six decades, citing worsening effects from a stroke he suffered about seven years ago.
Slade, who turns 80 in late October, announced the decision in a social media video posted Saturday, August 22. “It’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing my retirement from drumming,” he said in remarks transcribed by Blabbermouth.
The veteran musician said he began playing professionally at 16 with Tom Jones and thanked fans for supporting him throughout his career. He also thanked members of his solo project, Chris Slade Timeline, and said updates would continue on the group’s Facebook page.
Slade joined AC/DC in 1989 and played drums on the band’s 1990 album “The Razors Edge.” He left in 1994 after Phil Rudd returned to the group. Slade rejoined AC/DC in 2015 and performed on the “Rock or Bust” World Tour after replacing Rudd.
AC/DC’s official website confirms Slade was part of the group’s 2015 touring lineup when the “Rock or Bust” tour began at Coachella.
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Beyond AC/DC, Slade worked with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Uriah Heep, David Gilmour, The Firm, Gary Moore and Asia during a career that stretched across about six decades.
