Former AC/DC bass guitarist Paul Matters dies: 'He will be missed by all who knew him'
By Natacha Maloon|
Former AC/DC bass guitarist Paul Matters has died.
Matters played with the rock band in 1975 before he was reportedly fired by late lead singer Bon Scott.
Weeks later, he was replaced by Mark Evans and was believed to have quit music shortly after the ordeal. In 1977, Evans was fired by the band replaced by Cliff Williams.
News of his death was confirmed by his friend Rod Wescombe on Facebook, saying, "Shocked and sad to hear of the passing of Paul Matters."
"I first met Paul in 1973 when he was playing bass in "Armageddon" at a gig in Hamilton, Newcastle NSW," he continued. "When I was living in Toronto he would drop into the house in the late hours to party and he loved to party.
"In late '75 after he departed AC/DC we played together in a one-off band called 'Miss Australia Band' at a gig on a ferry on Lake Macquarie. I moved to Sunshine on the lake further south and Paul would drop in to chill whenever he was in the area. I recall he could always make me laugh when he was in the mood."
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Westcombe added that he "lived a reclusive life in his later years" and his rock n roll lifestyle contributed to his health deteriorating.
"After leaving New South Wales I lost contact with him as did many other people over the years," he wrote. "From all reports, he lived a reclusive life in his later years and his early rock n' roll lifestyle led to ailing health. He will be missed by all who knew him."
The band is yet to officially address Matter's death.
Matters' death comes three years after founding AC/DC member Malcolm Young died after a battle with dementia. The rocker was 64 at the time.
"Today it is with deep heartfelt sadness that AC/DC has to announce the passing of Malcolm Young," AC/DC wrote in a statement.
"Malcolm, along with Angus, was the founder and creator of AC/DC. With enormous dedication and commitment he was the driving force behind the band. As a guitarist, songwriter and visionary he was a perfectionist and a unique man. He always stuck to his guns and did and said exactly what he wanted. He took great pride in all that he endeavoured. His loyalty to the fans was unsurpassed."
