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Tragedy as Paul Matters former AC/DC bassist dies: 'He will be missed'

Former AC/DC bassist Paul Matters has died in yet another tragedy to hit rock & roll.

Matters, who played with the iconic Aussie band in 1975 before departing the same year, died on Wednesday.

paul matters
Paul Matters played with the iconic Aussie band in 1975. Photo: AC/DC

Rod Wescombe, a friend of Matters, wrote on Facebook the bassist “could always make me laugh when he was in the mood”.

“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.”

It’s not clear what Matters died from.

Matters never recorded any tracks with AC/DC but did perform live with the band.

AC/DC is no stranger to death either. Three years ago rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, who founded the band with his brother Angus, died aged 64.

Bon Scott, the frontman who belted out classic tracks Highway to Hell and It’s A Long Way To the Top, died in 1980. He was just 33.

Scott was replaced by Brian Johnson who remains the band’s lead singer.

Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Angus Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd of Australian rock band AC/DC pose in London, England in August 1979.
AC/DC during the Bon Scott era in 1979. Source: Getty Images

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