Cliff Williams

A 1977 audition involving four jam sessions secured Cliff Williams his long-term position as the bassist for the Australian hard rock band AC/DC. Born in Romford in 1949, the English musician transitioned from early roles in progressive rock groups to anchoring the rhythm section of one of the most successful acts in musical history for nearly four decades.

Early Career and Formative Influences

Williams moved to Hoylake in 1961, where the local Merseybeat movement motivated him to pursue music. After leaving school at 16, he balanced work as an engineer with nocturnal performances. In 1966, he relocated to London, eventually joining the progressive group Home in 1970. The band released albums including Pause for a Hoarse Horse and a self-titled record featuring the single Dreamer. Following Home's dissolution in 1974, he performed briefly with the Al Stewart Band and the American group Stars before co-founding the band Bandit.

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Joining AC/DC

Following the breakup of Bandit in 1977, guitarist Jimmy Litherland encouraged Williams to audition for AC/DC. After watching the band on Top of the Pops, Williams successfully auditioned on 27 May 1977. His studio debut with the group arrived with the 1978 album Powerage. Throughout his tenure, Williams provided steady basslines that complemented the rhythm guitar work of Malcolm Young, often utilizing simple eighth-note patterns that defined the band's fundamental sound.

Retirement and Return

Williams announced his departure from the music industry in 2016 following the Rock or Bust World Tour, citing the significant changes in the band's composition. However, he returned to the group for the 2020 comeback album Power Up, alongside Brian Johnson and Phil Rudd. While he participated in the Power Trip Festival in 2023, he did not join the subsequent Power Up Tour, with Chris Chaney stepping into the role.

Collaborative Projects

Outside of his primary role with AC/DC, Williams engaged in several side projects and charity initiatives. In 1984, he contributed to Adam Bomb's track I Want My Heavy Metal. During the 2000s, he joined the band Emir & Frozen Camels. He also collaborated with Brian Johnson and Steve Luongo on the Classic Rock Cares charity project in 2007, and participated in benefit concerts for the John Entwistle Foundation.