Chris Slade Reveals He’s Been Working on His Autobiography for Decades: ‘I Have to Finish It Now’
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Chris Slade, the Welsh drummer whose career spans over six decades, has played with some of rock’s biggest names—from Tom Jones to Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, The Firm, and, of course, AC/DC. At 78, Slade remains as busy and sharp as ever, recently opening up about one of his most personal projects: his long-awaited autobiography. In a recent chat with Anthony Bryant of The Hair Metal Guru, Slade joked that the book has “taken 80 years to write,” a testament to just how long he’s been working on it.
The drummer revealed that the manuscript has been in progress for decades, with portions written here and there between tours and recording sessions. “I get down to it now and again,” he said. “I realize I have to get it finished now, though, because I’ve only got 20 or 30 years left.” His humor highlights not only his wit but also his drive to finally bring his life story to the public.
For fans who have followed Slade’s illustrious career, the book represents more than just another rock memoir—it’s a personal reflection from one of the genre’s most experienced and good-natured musicians. After all, few drummers can claim to have stood behind both AC/DC’s thunderous sound and Tom Jones’s soulful stage presence.
Two Decades of Writing and Counting
This isn’t the first time Slade has discussed his autobiography. In an earlier interview with Scott Itter of Dr. Music, he shared that the book was “virtually written,” though it had been a 20-year process. “It might be three volumes, actually,” he mused, uncertain of how long the final product might become. Despite not having finalized its structure, Slade said half of it is already done, and he recently completed a section covering the 1960s—meaning there’s still a lot more story left to tell.
Slade also made it clear that he’s writing the book himself, without the help of a ghostwriter. His decision to do so stems from his desire for authenticity and his admiration for rock memoirs written in an artist’s own voice. “I wanted to write it myself, in my own words,” he said. “My missus has read it, and she thinks it’s all right. She would tell me if it’s not.”
While he cited Keith Richards’s autobiography as a favorite, Slade emphasized that even Richards used a ghostwriter—something he’s keen to avoid. His aim is for his book to reflect his true personality and memories, capturing his humor, perspective, and first-hand experience as a drummer who’s seen every corner of the rock world.
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No Hard Feelings Toward AC/DC
Slade’s legacy will always be intertwined with AC/DC, and he continues to address fan curiosity about his status with the band. When asked if he was disappointed about the band’s decision to have Matt Laug play drums for their 2024 tour, Slade said he wasn’t upset. “Would I have done it? Yes, of course,” he admitted. “But Angus probably wanted a change and thought maybe I couldn’t do it.” Still, he was quick to dismiss any notion of bitterness, joking that age shouldn’t be a factor—especially since guitarist Angus Young is only a few years younger.
He also expressed nothing but respect for Laug, recalling their shared time in California years ago. Slade even shared a story about how Laug once turned down Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill tour to focus on studio work, quipping, “He might’ve learned his lesson this time.” Such anecdotes show Slade’s warmth and camaraderie toward his peers, even in competitive circles.
The drummer’s measured response speaks volumes about his character. Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, he focuses on appreciation—for both his past and present. His long career has given him a unique sense of perspective that’s likely to shine through in his forthcoming memoir.
Still Rocking Around the World
Despite being nearly eight decades into his career, Chris Slade remains an active performer. With The Chris Slade Timeline, he continues to tour across Europe, playing shows in countries like France, Italy, Poland, and Germany. “We work all over Europe,” he said proudly, adding that his band remains one of his greatest joys. Even with such a busy schedule, he hasn’t ruled out playing with AC/DC again should the opportunity arise.
He recounted the surprise phone call that brought him back to the band years ago. “People kept saying, ‘Have you heard anything?’ And I said, ‘They’re not gonna call,’” Slade recalled. “Then, ring ring—it was AC/DC.” That second stint lasted two or three years and remains one of the most memorable chapters of his storied career.
Now, between touring, writing, and reflecting, Slade seems at peace with where life has taken him. His autobiography, once complete, promises to be a time capsule of rock history told by someone who truly lived it—from smoky clubs in the ’60s to stadiums packed with thunderous AC/DC fans. As Slade himself put it, it’s taken decades—but it’s finally time to finish it.
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