Phil Rudd Questions Current AC/DC Lineup, Says His Return Up to Angus Young
It was a rough 2015 for estranged AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd. The stickman found himself embattled in a host of legal woes, ultimately leading to house arrest and his dismissal from the band, at least for the time being. In a new interview, he opened up about the current AC/DC lineup now featuring Axl Rose and speculated his potential return to the rock icons.
With Chris Slade sitting in his place behind the kit in AC/DC, Rudd has remained at his Australian home after being sentenced to eight months of house arrest. Revealing how the court order has helped to improve his life, he appeared content in an interview with the New Zealand Herald. When asked about his communication with other members, including Rose who has replaced Brian Johnson while he was forced off tour at risk of total hearing loss if he continued, Rudd said, "No, I have not spoken to Axl. He has not spoken to me."
The conversation then shifted towards the possibility of the band welcoming Rudd back, to which he conceded, "It is up to Angus [Young], what he wants to do. I am limited to where I can go." In a previous interview, it was pointed out Rudd was adamant about his eventual return, but revealed he has had a change in attitude, stating, "I was over-fueled. All over the place. I am not like that any more. I've never felt better as a drummer or a person. I am not saying I never hope of ever playing with AC/DC again but, then again, is it even AC/DC any more? No Bon's [Scott] beautiful voice. No Malcolm [Young]. No Brian [Johnson]."
Malcolm Young retired from the group as a result of dementia and was replaced by Angus Young's nephew Stevie, who had filled in for Malcolm previously on a tour in 1988.
Rudd was faced with legal issues after an arrest for threatening to kill two people and drug possession for cannabis as well as methamphetamines. The drummer appealed his house arrest sentence, citing loss of income as he was unable to tour with AC/DC, but since the band showed no sign of an attempt to bring him on tour, the appeal was lost.
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