Cliff Williams, AC/DC Bassist, Announces His Retirement From The Band

AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams recently confirmed that he is retiring from the band now that it has completed its Rock or Bust Tour.

Cliff Williams Retiring

Williams announced his decision to step away from AC/DC in an emotional video. “It’s time for me to step out, that’s all,” the musician explained, adding that the departures of Malcolm Young, Phil Rudd, and singer Brian Johnson weren’t the reason for his retirement.

As has been reported, guitarist Young was forced to retired from AC/DC in 2014 due to a battle with dementia, drummer Lord is serving a house arrest sentence for drug possession and a murder-for-hire plot, and frontman Johnson had to step away from the band earlier this year to protect his hearing.

“Everything changes when something happens like that,” Williams mused. “Everything changes, so it’s not that. It’s just, I’m ready to get off the road, really. And do what I do in between tours. It’s just my time.”

Williams added, “I’m happy. I just need family time, just chill out and not do this. I’m all good. I couldn’t have asked for anything more — being with the people I’m with and have been, being in this situation with this band, playing this music,” Williams continued, chocking up with emotion and holding his hands to his chest.

Williams joined AC/DC back in 1977, replacing founding bassist Mark Evans, and making his debut on the Powerage album in 1978. Along with other members of AC/DC, Williams was inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame in 2003.