Cliff Williams May Not Play Bass on Upcoming AC/DC Tour

Cliff Williams has retired from AC/DC before; he might do it again. At least, that’s the rumor.

The famous bassist originally retired in 2016, saying in a video statement:

“It’s time for me to step out, that’s all. I’m ready to get off the road and do what I do in between tours.”

He then returned in 2020 for the record Power Up and their show at Power Trip in 2023. Now, AC/DC enthusiast and journalist Dean Delray clais Williams might not be touring with the band in the near future.

“Ok last night I heard from a very reliable source that AC/DC will be touring with a new Bass Player this year. I’m not gonna say who it is I’ll let AC/DC make that announcement but I will say this: Three years ago, I had Cliff Williams on my podcast, and he straight-up said he would not be touring again, and I was surprised that the fans didn’t seem to pick up on that.

“I just want take this time to thank Cliff for absolutely rocking us on the bass for over 40 years. An absolute killer of groove. I love you brother.”

While Williams has played bass for AC/DC since 1977, he’s also stepped back from the band before, and between that an eluding to it in the past, it seems reasonable that he might sit the upcoming tour out. It’s also worth noting that the tour dates he may or may not be on are still currently unreleased, so at this point, it’s all speculation.

At the band’s last show, Matt Haug sat in for Phil Rudd on drums. However, Rudd has said he plans to return to the band.