A Career Defined by Rhythm
Chris Slade, the veteran rock drummer who provided the backbeat for some of music's biggest acts, has announced his retirement at age 79. He confirmed the news via a video message posted to his Facebook page on August 24, 2026. The Welsh musician cited persistent health struggles, specifically the long-term impact of a stroke he suffered seven years ago, as the primary reason for his decision to step away from professional drumming.
Slade began his career at 16 with Tom Jones. He served as a member of The Squires, playing on hit records including "It’s Not Unusual" and "Delilah." His work throughout the 1960s and 1970s established him as a reliable presence in the studio and on stage. His professional life spanned more than six decades, leaving a mark on the rock and pop charts across multiple generations.
Evolution Through Notable Projects
Following his time with Tom Jones, Slade joined the band Toomorrow in 1969, which included a young Olivia Newton-John. By 1972, he shifted toward hard rock, becoming a founding member of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. During his six-year tenure there, he helped record eight albums and achieved commercial success in the United States with the number-one hit "Blinded By the Light."
His portfolio expanded throughout the 1980s. He became a fixture in the hard rock scene, joining AC/DC in 1989. His contribution to the band included tracking drums on iconic songs like "Thunderstruck" and "Money Talks." While he left the group in 1993, he returned to the stage with them for the 2015-2016 Rock or Bust tour. Outside of his tenure with AC/DC, he worked with artists including Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers, and David Gilmour.
Health Challenges and Final Exit
In his retirement announcement, Slade acknowledged the difficulty of his choice. He expressed a desire to continue playing at the same level as contemporaries like The Rolling Stones or Paul McCartney, but he admitted his physical limitations made this impossible. The stroke he endured seven years ago left lasting damage that has hindered his ability to keep up with the intense demands of touring and recording.
Slade remains the leader of his own group, The Chris Slade Timeline, and has performed with his AC/DC tribute group, Chris Slade Steel Circle. While he is leaving the professional drumming circuit, he noted he would continue to post updates for his supporters through his social media channels. He thanked his fans for their decades of support during his long, varied career in the music industry.