Chris Slade, former AC/DC drummer, retires at 79 as stroke effects worsen: 'I've had good innings'
AC/DC veteran Chris Slade steps away from drums as health battles intensify
Chris Slade, the Welsh drummer known for his stints behind the kit for AC/DC and David Gilmour, has announced he's stepping away from drumming for good.
The 79-year-old shared the news in a Facebook video posted Saturday, August 22, pointing to his age and a lingering health issue as the reasons behind the decision. Slade explained that he's been playing professionally since age 16, when he started out with Tom Jones, and said he felt he'd had a solid run.
Slade also used the video to thank his bandmates and the fans who've supported him throughout his career, telling followers he would continue to post on his Facebook page from time to time. “Hello everybody. It’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing my retirement from drumming,” he said. “I’m near enough 80 years old. I’ve been drumming professionally since I was 16 with Tom Jones. I’ve had good innings.”
He then got more specific about his health, revealing that a minor stroke he suffered roughly seven years ago has since worsened and ultimately factored into his decision to retire. Slade said he admired artists like the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney for still performing well into their eighties, and had hoped to do the same, but ultimately felt he no longer could.
“I had a stroke, as you probably know, about seven years ago,” said Slade. “A small stroke, but it’s got worse, and I’m afraid that has screwed me up.”
He added, “I’m really jealous of people like the Stones and Paul McCartney, who are going well into their eighties, and I wanted to do that, but looks like I can’t. So as I say, with a heavy heart, it’s bye for now.”
“A Special Announcement to all followers from drummer CHRIS SLADE,” Slade captioned the post.
The announcement follows a rough stretch for Slade. Last month, he revealed on Facebook that his band had been forced to pull out of a scheduled appearance at the Brudstock Festival after he suffered a bad fall that injured his ribs and landed him in the hospital.
Slade's history with AC/DC dates back to 1989, when he joined the band and played on their comeback record, The Razor's Edge. He exited in 1994 when original drummer Phil Rudd returned to the lineup, then rejoined the band in 2015 during one of Rudd's extended absences. In 2012, Slade also formed his own group, The Chris Slade Timeline.
