AC/DC's Chris Slade makes groundbreaking announcement after decades-long drumming career

Former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade has announced his retirement from drumming at age 79.

Slade shared the news on Saturday via a video posted to Facebook, captioned “A Special Announcement to all followers from drummer CHRIS SLADE.”

In the video message, Slade explained that his age, along with health challenges, played a role in his decision. 

“Hello everybody. It’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing my retirement from drumming,” he began. “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 thanked his fans and his bandmates for their support over the years and told followers to stay connected through his Facebook page where he would post “now and again.”

Slade also shared that he experienced a stroke several years ago, which he said has gradually affected his ability to continue performing at the level he once 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 expressed admiration for musicians who have continued performing well into their eighties, saying he had hoped to do the same but ultimately felt it wasn't possible for him.

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.”

In a previous post last month, Slade also mentioned dealing with a fall that led to a hospital visit and forced his band to cancel an upcoming performance.

Slade first joined AC/DC in 1989 and played on one of the band's major comeback albums. He later left the group in the mid-1990s before briefly rejoining years later. He also formed his own band in 2012.