Longtime AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams has announced his plans to retire after the Australian rock band’s current tour. In an interview with Gulfshore Life, Williams said he feels “it’s the right thing” to do following the loss of guitarist Malcolm Young, who left the band in 2014 after being diagnosed with dementia, vocalist Brian Johnson (catastrophic hearing loss), and drummer Phil Rudd (hella legal troubles).
“It’s been what I’ve known for the past 40 years, but after this tour I’m backing off of touring and recording,” Williams says. “Losing Malcolm, the thing with Phil and now with Brian, it’s a changed animal. I feel in my gut it’s the right thing.” Apparently the band’s new touring vocalist, Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose, hasn’t alleviated Williams’ pain at seeing strange faces every time he looks across the stage.
Indeed, the only member who has been with AC/DC for longer than Williams is guitarist Angus Young, who has been playing alongside the bassist since 1977’s Powerage. Young still seems to be having a blast, though, so it’s possible that he recasts AC/DC as Angus Young and Friends in the wake of Williams’ departure.
If you’d like to check out Williams one last time before he hangs it up, click here to view a full list of AC/DC’s upcoming tour dates.
