AC/DC Bassist Cliff Williams’ 71st Birthday

Photo by Fin Costello/Getty Images

Today we celebrate the booming force behind one of the most famous hard rock bands of all time. Happy 71st birthday Cliff Williams, bassist of AC/DC!

Williams began his musical endeavors in 1967 and formed the progressive rock band Home in 1970 after he moved from Essex to London. Home performed with mega-bands and musicians including Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, The Faces, and Mott The Hoople. In 1974, Williams co-founded English hard rock band Bandit, but everything changed for him a few years later.

Williams auditioned for AC/DC in 1977 and impressed Angus Young not only with his pounding basslines, but also with his good looks which Young hoped would draw more women to their concerts. Along with the low frequency, the bassist also contributed backing vocals to the music.

Williams stayed with the band until 2016 when he announced his retirement. However, he could only stay away from the Australian rockers for a short time as he joined up with them again for their 2020 album Power Up.

Watch Cliff Williams with AC/DC perform Highway To Hell live in 1979 here: