Rumors suggest that AC/DC has enlisted bassist Chris Chaney to join their upcoming world tour, famous for his role as the bassist in JANE’S ADDICTION and as part of Alanis Morissette‘s touring and recording band.
Additionally, Chaney has contributed to groups like TAYLOR HAWKINS AND THE COATTAIL RIDERS and CAMP FREDDY. His extensive experience extends to a variety of genres, and he has collaborated with a diverse array of artists ranging from Joe Cocker, Shakira, Slash, and Avril Lavigne to Sara Bareilles, Gavin Degraw, Cher, SHINEDOWN, and Celine Dion.
Last month, rock and roll comedian Dean Delray, a huge AC/DC fan who has performed the legendary band’s songs with a tribute group and has conducted interviews with AC/DC members in the past, reported that AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams may be opting out of the group’s highly anticipated 2024 tour.
Delray wrote on social media: “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, 3 year 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.”
Cliff announced his retirement at the conclusion of AC/DC‘s 2015-2016 “Rock Or Bust” tour, during which vocalist Brian Johnson also departed due to hearing issues, with GUNS N’ ROSES singer Axl Rose stepping in for the last 22 shows. Nevertheless, both Williams and Johnson participated in the recording sessions for AC/DC‘s 2020 album Power Up. They were also integral members of the AC/DC lineup that appeared at the band’s first concert in over seven years, held last October at the Power Trip festival in Indio, California.
Williams expressed his desire to contribute to the recording sessions of Power Up as a homage to Angus‘s late brother, Malcolm Young, the founding rhythm guitarist of AC/DC, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 64 due to complications from dementia. Malcolm is credited as a writer on all 12 tracks featured on Power Up.
AC/DC has yet to make any official announcements regarding tour dates for 2024, but speculation suggests they are considering numerous live performances worldwide this year. In November, Dieter Reiter, the mayor of Munich, Germany, inadvertently revealed to a reporter that AC/DC is slated to take the stage at the city’s Olympic Stadium on June 12, 2024.
The status of drummer Phil Rudd‘s participation in AC/DC‘s 2024 tour also remains uncertain. Rudd was temporarily replaced by drummer Matt Laug for the band’s appearance at the Power Trip festival.
AC/DC did not offer any explanation for Rudd‘s absence at the festival, despite his return to the band for the recording of their comeback album, Power Up. However, several sources suggest that his past legal troubles may be a factor in his absence.
In 2015, Rudd pled guilty to charges of threatening to kill a former employee and drug possession. As a result, he was sentenced to eight months of home confinement.
Rudd‘s legal team fought this sentence, arguing that it was disproportionately damaging to his music career. They pointed out that Rudd‘s inability to travel due to the sentence was preventing him from reuniting with his band, AC/DC. However, the judge was unsympathetic to these arguments, implying that bands can replace members.
AC/DC is expected to unveil its 2024 tour dates on Monday morning (February 12) via the band’s website and official social media channels.
