Chris Slade has announced his retirement at the age of 79. The iconic drummer is best known for his first stint with AC/DC, during which he appeared on their wildly successful album "The Razors Edge." Slade made the announcement in a video
posted to Facebook.Videos by Wide Open Country
"Hello everybody," Slade said. "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."
The talented drummer then continued by thanking his longtime fans for all of their support throughout the years.
"Thank you all for coming to the shows and I'd like to thank the band also, the Chris Sade timeline and all you lot for coming to the shows and having a good time," he continued. "We know you have because you told us you have which was a good feedback is great."
Later in the video, Slade, who previously suffered a small stroke, explained how his health issues had played a role in his decision to retire.
"...I had a stroke, as you know, about seven years ago. It was a small stroke, but it's gotten worse, and I'm afraid that will screw 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 said, with a heavy heart, it's bye for now."
Chris Slade Had a Second Run With AC/DC
Slade's early 90's run with AC/DC wasn't his only tenure with the group. He returned as their drummer in 2015 after Phil Rudd ran into legal troubles. During his second spell with the group, he went on the "Rock Or Bust" tour. However, he eventually left once Rudd was cleared to return.
Of course, Slade wasn't best pleased with the decision to replace him. However, AC/DC did request that Slade remain with the group as Rudd's understudy, per LouderSound.
Regardless of how Slade's tenure with AC/DC came to an end, the music industry has lost a highly talented drummer. Slade will now focus on the next chapter of life, which will almost certainly not feature any more time being spent behind a drum set.
