AC/DC’s Cliff Williams Receives Angus Young Tribute at His Final Show
It's the end of an era for AC/DC as another band member is hanging it up. Bassist Cliff Williams confirmed in a message to fans that he had tired of the road and was ready to call it a career. Last night's (Sept. 20) show in Philadelphia would be his final performance with AC/DC, but he didn't exit the stage without one final tribute from his band.
As can be seen in the video above, as the song "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" winds down, guitarist Angus Young heads to the back of the stage and pulls Williams up to the front for all to be seen and embraced. With the audience audibly showing their appreciation, Williams quickly retreated to the back of the stage to help finish out the song, with Axl Rose then calling out the rest of the band.
It's been an interesting tour and album cycle for AC/DC, as longtime guitarist Malcolm Young stepped away from the band while dealing with dementia even before their Rock or Bust album was recorded. Angus Young welcomed nephew Stevie Young to the band for the album and tour. Shortly after the album was complete, it was revealed that drummer Phil Rudd had some legal issues that became widely publicized that left his touring availability in question. Rudd was replaced by former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade for the full run of dates. Then, earlier this year, it was revealed that singer Brian Johnson was advised by doctors to stop touring as he risked permanent hearing loss if he continued. The band managed to finish out their touring with Axl Rose filling in.
With Williams stepping away after nearly 40 years with the band, that leaves guitarist Angus Young as the longest tenured band member by a large amount. The band founder has not revealed whether or not he intends to continue recording and touring with AC/DC.
All the best to AC/DC's Cliff Williams, who has held down the low end in one of the baddest rock bands for years. Loudwire sends our best wishes to Williams on his retirement from the band.
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