Former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans recently opened up about his departure from the legendary rock band. He shared his perspective on the separation in an interview featured on ABC News In-Depth.
Evans reflected on his time with the band and the circumstances that led to his exit. He attributed his departure to his own approach during that period of his career.
“The separation was difficult,” Evans said. “I was the right guy for the band when I started. Looking back, there’s only one reason I didn’t continue on with the band, is ’cause I didn’t take it seriously enough. It all happened so easily that I probably didn’t give it its correct weight.”
Evans’ candid admission offers insight into the internal dynamics of AC/DC during his tenure. However, the full story behind his firing reveals a more complex picture involving both personal and professional factors.
Mark Evans served as AC/DC’s bassist from 1975 to 1977 before being fired in May 1977. This occurred following the recording of the album Let There Be Rock, according to Wikipedia. The official reasons cited at the time included “musical differences” and personality clashes with guitarist Angus Young. Beyond these surface-level explanations, the band’s leadership had specific requirements for the position that Evans could not fulfill.
Malcolm Young wanted a bassist who could contribute backing vocals. This became a key factor in the band’s decision to replace Evans with Cliff Williams, who had more experience and vocal ability, as noted by Rock and Roll Garage. This need for a multi-talented musician reflected the band’s evolving musical direction and performance requirements.
Evans’ departure coincided with a particularly turbulent period for AC/DC. The band faced significant challenges during this era, including being dropped by their U.S. label and dealing with a violent altercation involving Malcolm Young and Black Sabbath’s bassist Geezer Butler. This altercation resulted in AC/DC being kicked off a European tour, as documented in various interviews and sources. This chaotic environment contributed to the band’s overall instability during that period.
Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his firing, Evans has maintained a respectful perspective on his time with the band. He discovered his dismissal somewhat abruptly during a birthday party when Malcolm Young informed him that his time with the band was ending, according to AC/DC fan sources. Evans has since written about his experiences in his autobiography, “Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC.” He characterized the firing as partly driven by internal dynamics and the band’s evolving needs, while maintaining respect for the band’s achievements and legacy.
