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Chris Slade
Chris Slade.JPG
Chris Slade in 2012
Background information
Birth name Christopher Slade Rees
Born (1946-10-30) 30 October 1946 (age 78)
Pontypridd, Wales
Origin Cardiff, Wales
Genres Hard rock, heavy metal, blues rock, progressive rock, jazz fusion
Occupation(s) Drummer
Years active 1964–present
Associated acts Toomorrow, Uriah Heep, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers, The Firm, AC/DC, Asia, Tom Jones, Michael Schenker Group, David Gilmour, Gary Numan, The Chris Slade Timeline, Gary Moore

Chris Slade is a famous drummer from Wales. He was born Christopher Slade Rees on October 30, 1946. Chris is well-known for playing drums for many popular bands. These include Manfred Mann's Earth Band and the very famous rock band AC/DC. He also played with Tom Jones, Uriah Heep, The Firm, and Asia.

Chris Slade's Early Music Career

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Slade (middle) with Uriah Heep in 1980.

Chris Slade was born in Pontypridd, Wales. He started his music journey playing with many different artists. He worked with singers like Gary Numan and Tom Jones. He was also part of a band called Toomorrow with Olivia Newton-John.

Joining Manfred Mann's Earth Band

In 1971, Chris became a founding member of Manfred Mann's Earth Band. He played drums on eight of their studio albums. These albums were released between 1972 and 1978. His drumming helped create the band's unique sound.

Playing with Other Rock Legends

In the mid-1980s, Chris Slade played with Paul Rodgers and Jimmy Page. They were part of a band called The Firm. He also performed with Pink Floyd's David Gilmour. In 1989, he toured the world with guitarist Gary Moore.

Chris Slade and AC/DC

Chris Slade joined the famous rock band AC/DC in November 1989. This happened after their previous drummer, Simon Wright, left the band. AC/DC's managers knew Chris from his tours with Gary Moore.

Recording The Razors Edge

The Young brothers, Angus and Malcolm, first hired Chris temporarily. But they were so impressed that they asked him to join AC/DC permanently. Chris played drums on their 1990 album, The Razors Edge. He also went on the big world tour for this album. In 1993, he played on their hit song "Big Gun".

Leaving and Returning to AC/DC

After working on new songs for AC/DC's next album, Ballbreaker, Chris was told they wanted to try bringing back their former drummer, Phil Rudd. Chris understood and left the band. He said it was an honor to play with AC/DC.

After leaving AC/DC, Chris lived in the countryside for a few years. Then, he joined the British progressive rock band Asia. He played with Asia for six years, leaving in September 2005.

The Chris Slade Timeline Band

Chris Slade has also led an AC/DC tribute band called Chris Slade Steel Circle. He now tours the world with his own band, THE CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE. This band celebrates his 50 years as a rock drummer. They play music from all parts of his long career. The band has performed at major festivals like Hellfest. They even played at the Moscow Olympic Stadium for a tennis tournament.

Chris Slade's Second Time with AC/DC

Rumors about Chris Slade rejoining AC/DC started in late 2014. This was after their drummer Phil Rudd had some personal issues. In February 2015, Chris was seen signing albums with the band.

Soon after, Chris confirmed he was indeed the new drummer for AC/DC. He explained that the secrecy was for good reasons. AC/DC then officially announced, "Chris Slade will be on drums for the upcoming Rock or Bust world tour."

Chris played live with AC/DC on this tour. He also appeared in promotional photos and the music video for "Rock the Blues Away." By April 2015, AC/DC's official website listed him as their drummer.

On September 30, 2020, AC/DC announced that Phil Rudd was returning to the band. This meant Chris Slade left AC/DC for the second time. Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams also returned to the band at that time.

Drumming Gear

Chris Slade uses Drum Workshop drums, pedals, and hardware. He also uses Paiste cymbals, Remo drumheads, LP percussion, and London drumsticks. Before using DW, he used Pearl drums.

Discography Highlights

Chris Slade has played on many albums throughout his career. Here are some of the most well-known ones:

With Tom Jones

  • Along Came Jones (1965)
  • Green, Green Grass of Home (1967)
  • Delilah (1968)

With Manfred Mann's Earth Band

  • Manfred Mann's Earth Band (1972)
  • Messin' (1973)
  • The Roaring Silence (1976)
  • Watch (1978)

With Uriah Heep

  • Conquest (1980)

With The Firm

  • The Firm (1985)
  • Mean Business (1986)

With AC/DC

  • The Razors Edge (1990)
  • AC/DC Live (1992)
  • "Big Gun" (1993)

With Asia

  • Aura (2001)
  • Silent Nation (2004)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Chris Slade para niños

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