Legendary AC/DC Drummer Chris Slade Retires From Music at Age 79

Rock titan Chris Slade is officially stepping away from the kit. The veteran musician, celebrated globally for his powerhouse work behind the drums for hard rock legends AC/DC, has formally announced his retirement from playing music after a career spanning well over half a century of arena-shaking performances. Opening up about his choice to step down, Slade cited both his milestone age and ongoing physical challenges. As he approaches his 80th birthday, the hard-hitting beatmaker acknowledged that the sheer physical strain of high-energy rock drumming has finally caught up with him. ## why is chris slade retiring from playing drums A primary contributor to his retirement stems from a health issue he quietly managed behind the scenes. Reports confirm Slade suffered a minor stroke around seven years ago. While he remarkably kept performing in the aftermath, the long-term physical aftermath has gradually taken a heavy toll on his ability to play at his peak standard. Slade first slammed his way into AC/DC history back in 1989. He provided the explosive rhythm section for the band's massive 1990 blockbuster album *The Razors Edge*, which produced monumental rock radio staples such as "Thunderstruck" and "Moneytalks." His precise, thunderous style instantly became a fan favorite during one of the group's biggest commercial eras. ## did chris slade play for ac/dc twice Slade’s tenure with the iconic Australian band actually featured two separate runs. After his initial successful stint came to an end in 1994 to make room for classic drummer Phil Rudd's return, Slade held no grudges and remained a respected figure in the band's extended family. That strong relationship paved the way for a dramatic return in 2015. When AC/DC needed a dependable powerhouse for their massive *Rock or Bust* world tour, Slade stepped back behind the kit without missing a beat, delivering nightly masterclasses to stadium crowds across the globe. Outside of his high-profile work with AC/DC, Slade built an extraordinary resume working alongside some of the biggest names in classic rock, including Tom Jones, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Jimmy Page in The Firm, and prog-rock heavyweights Asia. Now, as he steps away from the stage for good, rock fans worldwide are celebrating a lifetime of unforgettable beats.