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SYDNEY, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams has announced his retirement in a heartfelt video posted after the conclusion of the band's most recent tour. "It's time for me to step out, that's all," Williams says in the clip released Tuesday.
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AC/DC band had just wrapped up their Rock or Bust World Tour which saw the departure of singer Brian Johnson after he was forced to quit to avoid going completely deaf.
Williams also referenced the departures of band members Malcolm Young and Phil Rudd and mentioned how AC/DC has been dealing with lineup changes since the death of original singer Bon Scott in 1980.
"Everything changes with something like that... Everything changes, so it's not that. It's just, I'm ready to get off the road and do what I do in between tours," Williams noted.
"I'm happy," he continued. "I just need family time, just chill out and not do this."
"I couldn't have asked for anything more - being with the people I'm with and have been, being in this situation with this band, playing this music," he concluded before placing his hands on his heart.
Williams had joined AC/DC for their fifth album Powerage in 1978.
After Johnson was forced to step down from the tour, Guns 'N Roses singer Axl Rose filled in, singing vocals for the reminder of the tour. In June, Johnson's condition was said to be improving with the rock star stating he had no plans to retire.
"My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that ... I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic. Only time will tell," Johnson said in a statement at the time.
