AN AC/DC legend has announced his retirement from music six years after being fired from the rock band for the second time.
The Welsh musician, 79, took to Facebook for a video to reveal he’s calling time on his career, after also playing in outfits including The Firm and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band.
AC/DC drummer Chris Slade, third left, has announced his retirement from the band Credit: Getty
Chris, 79, has played two separate stints with the Highway To Hell hitmakers Credit: Facebook/THE CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE
AC/DC drummer Chris Slade – best known for his two separate stints with the Highway To Hell hitmakers – admitted he was quitting music fame with “a heavy heart”.
Chris, who suffered a stroke seven years ago, told how his condition had now, sadly, “got worse”.
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“Hello, everybody. It’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing my retirement from drumming.
“I’m near enough 80 years old. I’ve been drumming professionally since I was 16 with Tom Jones. I’ve had a good innings. And thank you all for coming to the shows.
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He told how he is retiring with ‘a heavy heart’ after the after-effects of his recent stroke had escalated Credit: Getty
The Welshman, nicknamed Mr Thunderstruck, was a band member from 1989 to 1994 before he returned to the line-up in 2015 Credit: Getty
“And I’d like to thank the band also”.
He added: “So, what happened was that I had a stroke, as you probably know, about seven years ago. A small stroke, but it’s got worse.
“And I’m afraid that has screwed me up.
“I’m really jealous of people like The Stones or Paul McCartney who are going well into their 80s, and I wanted to do that.
“But it looks like I can’t. So, as I say, with a heavy heart, it’s bye for now.”
Fans were quick to react to his upload and wish him all the best, and one posted: “Take care – you are a true legend of rock”.
A second posted: “All the best for your retirement: please write a book-there’s a lot of drummers out there that would like to read it”.
A third then put: “What a legend…. I saw you with AC/DC on The Razor’s Edge and Rock or Bust tours and you were amazing!!! Look after yourself and keep us updated on any future ventures. Bless you Chris and thank you!!!”
Another referred to him by his nickname, Mr Thunderstruck, which was coined following the band’s 1990 hit of the same name.
Chris was a band member from 1989 to 1994, before he returned to the line-up in 2015.
Phil Judd then took on the role of the band’s drummer in 2020.
Last year, the Back In Black rockers went on a European Tour named Power Up, with a date at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium the final stop.
