Cliff Williams

Early Life

Clifford Williams was born on December 14, 1949, in Romford, Essex, England. At the age of 12, he moved with his family to Hoylake, Merseyside, where he was inspired by the local Merseybeat movement to pursue a career in music. He formed a band with friends at 13 and learned to play bass primarily by ear, influenced by iconic bands like the Rolling Stones and The Who. After leaving school at 16, he worked as an engineer while performing music at night.

Career

Williams began his professional music journey in 1967, moving to London in 1966 where he played in various bands. He joined the progressive rock group Home in 1970, which released several albums and toured with notable acts like Led Zeppelin. After a brief stint with the American band Stars, he formed Bandit in 1974, which released a self-titled album in 1977. However, it was his role as the bassist and backing vocalist for the legendary hard rock band AC/DC that defined his career. He joined AC/DC in 1977, contributing to their iconic sound with his steady basslines, starting with the album "Powerage". Williams was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with AC/DC in 2003 and announced his retirement in 2016, only to return for their 2020 album "Power Up".

Personal Life

Cliff Williams married his American wife Georganne in 1980, and they have two children. Initially settling in Hawaii, they later moved to Fort Myers, Florida, seeking a better environment for their family. Williams enjoys hobbies such as fishing, flying, and wine, and he also spends time in Aix-en-Provence, where he has distant relatives. His approach to music emphasizes simplicity and the importance of the song over individual performance, reflecting his philosophy as a musician.