Peter Clack

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Lore & Background

Peter Clack's time with AC/DC was brief but placed him at the band's raw beginnings. He joined in April 1974, a period when the Young brothers were forging their hard rock sound. Clack appears in the Last Picture Show Theatre video for "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl", capturing the band's early live energy. Though he was a member during the recording of High Voltage, session drummer Tony Currenti laid down most of the drum tracks. Clack's tenure ended in January 1975 when he and bassist Rob Bailey were sacked; Phil Rudd stepped in as his permanent replacement. Before AC/DC, Clack had already played with Bailey in the band Flake, and he also served as drummer for the Allan Hessey Big Band. As of November 2011, he was still active, playing with Melbourne-based band Raw Sylke.

In Their Own Story

In April 1974, Peter Clack took his place behind the drum kit alongside Malcolm Young, Angus Young, Dave Evans, and Rob Bailey. The band was still finding its feet, and Clack was there for early milestones: the Last Picture Show Theatre video for "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl" shows him in action, a visual record of AC/DC's formative stage. When the band entered the studio for High Voltage, Clack was present as a member, though most of the drum parts ended up being played by session man Tony Currenti. By January 1975, Clack's run was over—he and Bailey were sacked, and Phil Rudd became the permanent drummer. Clack didn't disappear from music; he had previously played with Bailey in Flake and was the drummer for the Allan Hessey Big Band. As of November 2011, he was still drumming with Melbourne-based Raw Sylke.

Reader's Guide

Peter Clack's role in AC/DC history is that of an early drummer who was part of the band during a critical transition. He joined in April 1974, playing alongside the core lineup of Malcolm and Angus Young, vocalist Dave Evans, and bassist Rob Bailey. His most visible contribution is the Last Picture Show Theatre video for "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl", which captures the band's early look and sound. During the recording of High Voltage, Clack was a band member but session drummer Tony Currenti handled most of the drum work. Clack stayed until January 1975, when he and Bailey were fired and replaced by Phil Rudd. Before AC/DC, Clack had drummed with Bailey in Flake and was the drummer for the Allan Hessey Big Band. As of November 2011, he was still active, playing with Melbourne-based Raw Sylke.

Did You Know?

• Peter Clack joined AC/DC in April 1974 alongside Malcolm Young, Angus Young, Dave Evans, and Rob Bailey.
• He appears in the Last Picture Show Theatre video of 'Can I Sit Next to You, Girl'.
• Although he was a member during the recording of High Voltage, most drum parts were recorded by session man Tony Currenti.
• Clack was sacked in January 1975 along with Rob Bailey; his permanent replacement was Phil Rudd.
• Before AC/DC, Clack played with Bailey in Flake and was the drummer of the Allan Hessey Big Band.