Very disturbing news about the Phil Rudd situation. I’ve been reading the various media reports and it obviously sounds very serious and sad if true. As usual before making any judgements I’d prefer to wait to see how it all plays out and what the legal system determines. A few things are obvious however. It is hard to believe the band and their reps didn’t know something was coming down with Rudd and explains why he was not in the official press photo and apparently the video for the “Play Ball” clip. You would have to think that they easily would have photo shopped him in to the press shot if it was just a conflict which kept him from making the session. Tons of bands do that and a band as major as AC/DC would not have released an official press photo without a key member if they didn’t sense there could be possible issues. Just makes no sense. The band has released a statement saying they didn’t know about anything until the news just broke but thinking it’s just coincidence that Rudd was not being in the photo is far reaching. They have stated everything is moving forward as planned. With a massive tour planned for next year unless he is exonerated from these accusations you would have to think AC/DC needs a new drummer ASAP. Not only for the tour but with the album coming promo appearances too. Do they go back to Chris Slade or Simon Wright? Or get totally new blood. Sad to see one of the great iconic bands now down two key members but the simple truth is neither loss will cost them one less ticket sold. Every band has the key members that if they lost would hurt the draw. In AC/DC’s case it’s Brian and of course Angus. That’s what the mainstream knows and sees. We are hardcore fans. We know and care if Bill Ward, Michael Anthony, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, etc aren’t there, and many of us still go as well. But to the masses as long as AC/DC plays the hits, Angus is the schoolboy, and Brian is singing, it won’t cost them a ticket. Right or wrong it’s just the truth. AC/DC has always been kind of stealth in the way they do things. Not releasing much info and very little social media presence. The Young brothers call all the shows and with Malcolm down that means Angus. Let’s see what the next moves are. No doubt more to come but as much as it sucks to lose the rock solid Rudd, this will no doubt not impact any plans that were already in place. Who do you think should play drums assuming it’s not Phil?
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I’m available on drums, and besides, I could sing the older Bon songs, since I sound 99% like Bon when I sing and play with COLD ETHYL! 😉
I just got to see Hellion play a few weeks ago. Simon Wright was on drums and he sounded great that night. We chatted a bit after the show and talked about old stuff and what’s happening today. Georg Dolivo was also playing guitar in the band, and it sounds like Rhino Bucket is hoping to get out on the road in 2015. It would be disappointing for Rhino Bucket fans, but I’d have to cast my vote for Simon Wright to replace Phil Rudd, if it comes to that. I always thought Simon was a much better fit than Chris Slade and he’s playing great right now, seems to be full of energy, and ready to go. Thanks for the blog, Eddie. I always enjoy your perspective. Cheers!
Thanks Brian. I believe Simon dates Anne so there’s the connection on that band
Would Carmine or Vinny Appice be available?
Not the right style. ANYONE would be available for AC/DC, but has to be a fit straight pocket player. Not that they can’t do that, just not that style that they are known for. If not Slade or Wright the best suggestion I have seen so far is Kenny Aronoff style wise
“Fly On The Wall”, “Who Made Who” (half), “Blow Up Your Video”, if Phil is out, I really hope Simon is back in! 🙂
Two other very good suggestions 🙂
D 🙂
Ya know, Chris Slade seems the most viable to do it since he has already been in the band. Chris Slade is the first drummer I heard as AC/DC Live is the first record of theirs I heard. I loved Slades drumming. It was just slammin’!
But if they get anyone other than him or Simon Wright, there are a few that could really work out well including Matt Sorum (GnR. This would be a killer choice!), Brad Wilk (R.A.T.M.), Phil Taylor (Motorhead. This would be epic!), Dave Grohl (if he wasn’t doing the Foo Fighters right now), Vinnie Appice, Josh Freese (NIN, A Perfect Circle, Devo), Simon Phillips (Toto, Judas Priest, The Michael Schenker Group), Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake), Cozy Powell (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Brian May, The Michael Schenker Group).
These are just some of the drummers that might be good for AC/DC. What do you think Eddie? What do all of you fans think?
Tyler,
The amazing Cozy Powell sadly passed away back in April of ’98. 🙁 He was one of my all time favorite drummers.
Actually, since the Crue is supposedly “done,” I think Tommy Lee would be a good choice. I also agree with the Kenny Aronoff suggestion or possibly Rod Morgenstein.
Dana from ET.com 🙂
Good choices, but would be kind of weird to see Tommy Lee in AC/DC, again IF Phil is out, I’m still hoping it’s either Wright or Slade, preferably Wright! 😉
It’d would be weird to see Tommy in the band. Musically it might work but visually it’d be very strange. After all, Tommy’s well over 6ft tall and at least a foot or more taller than Angus. Plus, Tommy likes attention but it doesn’t matter who it is, NOBODY is going to pay too close attention to the drummer with Angus Young on stage. Angus is THE focal point of the band with Brian being second. I’m with you on Wright as the best choice: He’s a rock solid drummer, fits their style, is familiar with their music and there’s no fear of him stepping on anyone.
Oh I did not realize Cozy Powell died. Thank you for pointing that out!
You’re welcome Tyler,
I wish I didn’t have to point it out. Cozy is missed.
D 🙂
Only passed 16 yrs ago. You really keep up on things so who would be more qualified to suggest a new drummer for AC/DC. Great job Tyler. Did u hear Hendrix is the new lead guitarist for Kiss?
Rod Morgenstein or Kenny Aranoff would be huge upgrades than Rudd. Yeah Phil is best fit for the band, but Rod and Kenny are WAY better drummers. Interesting names being kicked around.
I think the obvious choice is Chris Slade. Simon Wright plods and plods, kind of like a heavy metal Terry Chimes. Chris has the fire and even though Phil is THE AC/DC drummer and always will be, let’s be practical, shall we?