Cliff Williams

Cliff Williams Phil Rudd Brian Johnson Stevie Young
Bon Scott Malcolm Young George Young Paul Matters Colin Burgess Neil Smith
Angus Young Cliff Williams

Cliff Williams

Who is Cliff

Cliff Williams is best known as the bassist for the legendary rock band AC/DC. He was born on December 14, 1949, in Romford, Essex, England. Here’s a brief history of his involvement with AC/DC:

Early Career:

Cliff Williams started his music career in the 1960s, playing in various bands in England, such as Home and Bandit. His solid rhythm and ability to lock in with the drummer made him a sought-after bassist.

Later Years and Retirement:

Williams remained with AC/DC through various lineup changes and continued to contribute to the band’s signature sound. In 2016, after nearly 40 years with the band, he announced his retirement following the conclusion of the Rock or Bust tour. He cited health issues and the desire to step away from the intense touring lifestyle as his reasons for retiring.

Legacy

Cliff Williams’ legacy with AC/DC is marked by his unwavering dedication to the music, his consistent performance, and his role in some of the most iconic rock albums in history

Key Albums and Tours:

Williams played on several of AC/DC’s most iconic albums, including:

Highway to Hell (1979): The last album with Bon Scott before his tragic death. Back in Black (1980): One of the best-selling albums of all time, marking the debut of Brian Johnson as the lead singer. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (1981): Another massive hit, continuing the band's success in the early 1980s. The Razor's Edge (1990): Featuring the hit "Thunderstruck."

Playing Style:

Cliff Williams is known for his straightforward, no-frills playing style. His focus has always been on supporting the song rather than showing off technical prowess. This approach perfectly complemented AC/DC's raw, high-energy sound.

Joining AC/DC:

In 1977, Cliff Williams joined AC/DC, replacing Mark Evans, who had left the band due to personal differences. His first album with AC/DC was "Powerage," released in 1978. Cliff’s tight, driving bass lines became a key element of AC/DC's sound, providing a powerful backbone to the band's hard rock anthems.

Return to AC/DC:

In 2020, Cliff Williams came out of retirement to rejoin AC/DC for the recording of their album "Power Up," which was a tribute to the late Malcolm Young. The album was well-received, and Williams’ return was celebrated by fans.