It's been quite a crazy few years for AC/DC. First, longtime guitarist Malcolm Young had to quit the band after falling ill with dementia. Then, longtime drummer Phil Rudd got arrested with a ton of weed and meth, and had an intent to kill charge, and was unceremoniously dismissed from the band. Then, a few months ago, longtime vocalist Brian Johnson revealed he could no longer tour or face permanent hearing loss. Eventually, he was temporarily replaced by Axl Rose.
Well, it looks as though this is all too much for bassist Cliff Williams, who revealed he's planning on bowing out after this round of AC/DC touring completes in a recent interview with Gulfshore Life:
"It's been what I've known for the past 40 years, but after this tour I'm backing off of touring and recording. 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."
Coincidentally, AC/DC released a profile video on Williams earlier this week (viewable below) where he was quoted as saying "AC/DC has been… you know, just… I don't know what else I would wanna do. I love the music and I love playing in the band, and I'm all filled up."
I can't say I blame Williams for retiring (or perhaps semi-retiring). This is not the AC/DC he knew and loved for 40 years, and it's slowly becoming a cover band led by Angus Young. But if Angus wants to keep touring and fans want to keep seeing him, you can't blame him for not wanting to stop the rock.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/CDVpADkK_6w[/youtube]
