Peter Clack

The early AC/DC drummer who appeared on their debut album footage before being replaced by Phil Rudd.

Peter Clack is an Australian drummer who was an early member of hard rock band AC/DC. In April 1974 he joined Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar), Angus Young (lead guitar), Dave Evans (lead vocals) and Rob Bailey (bass guitar). He appears in early video footage of AC/DC, the Last Picture Show Theatre video of "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl". Clack was a member of the band during the recording of their debut album High Voltage but most of the drum parts were recorded by session man Tony Currenti. Clack continued with AC/DC until January 1975 when he was sacked along with Bailey, Clack's permanent replacement was Phil Rudd. Prior to joining AC/DC, Clack had played with Bailey in Flake. Peter was the drummer of the Allan Hessey Big Band. As of November 2011, he played with Melbourne-based band Raw Sylke.

Quick Facts

Birthplace: Australia
Instrument: Drums
Genre: Rock
Occupation: Musician, songwriter
Years active: Late 1960s–current

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.

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.