DRUMMER PHIL RUDD SAYS HE HAS HAD “NO CONTACT WITH ANYBODY” IN AC/DC
Estranged AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd says he’s had no contact from his bandmates since he was charged with threatening to kill and drugs offences.
Rudd, 60, previously pleaded not guilty to all charges, but last month changed his plea to a charge of threatening to kill and another of possessing cannabis and methamphetamine. A second charge of threatening to kill was dropped. He is awaiting sentencing in a Tauranga, New Zealand, court on June 26th, where he faces up to seven years in jail.
He was arrested in November last year and tells Australian TV show A Current Affair that he hasn’t heard from his bandmates since.
Rudd says, “I wrote them a letter, I tried to get in contact with Angus. I’ve had no contact with anybody. I’m very disappointed. But that’s life.”
AC/DC hired former drummer Chris Slade for their touring schedule as Rudd awaits his fate.
On the band continuing without him, Rudd says. “I’m sure they’re having a great old time. I’m sure they’re really enjoying playing. I’m sure it really sounds great. There’ll be another tour and I’ll be on it. It’ll go until we all die. We’ll probably all have to be dead before it stops. I’ve seen the errors of my ways. It’s onward and upward from here.”
AC/DC’s Rock Or Bust World tour begins tonight (May 5th) in Arnhem, Netherlands. The tour will make its way across Europe before heading to North America and Australia.
additional source: classicrock.teamrock.com
Phil must still be whacked on meth if he thinks he’ll ever play drums for AC/DC again.
And Blabbermouth has a more appropriate picture of Phil too.
Medved,
I know you make a comment almost every time I use this older picture of Rudd. As I explained before, I have included current images of him in other stories. What is the point of kicking someone when they are already down? You may not have pity for Rudd, and I cannot say you are entirely incorrect, but I just don’t see the point of making a sad situation worse.
Cheers,
Dana from ET.com 🙂
Well said Dana.
I remember ACDC mostly from 75 when they were on COUNTDOWN in Aus. Although ROCK IN PEACE was the song I heard when in Sydney at the time ( 77 ? ) and it was probably Phil on the Drums. In the Video when Bon has the “Heidi” wig on during the Countdown show so as to take the piss out of Molly, Phil seemed to enjoy himself immensely. Good memories. Musically though, I must say that I loved what Chris Slade did on Live at Donnington ( I never did find out if he played in Russia with ACDC ). Whilst I love the Classic lineups, in most cases I will give the new personal at least a chance before saying no to it. I think a blanket no to any change is just blinkered. However, some things like, just because Phil “posessed” certain drugs does not necessarily make him a user, just makes him the “bag man” for whomever uses in his entourage, stupid maybe, but to slate someone because of a mistake is , in my view, not giving them a chance, at a least from a humane viewpoint. But, my Father was a defence lawyer so that explains that opinion, maybe 🙂
Hi Campbell,
I was defending not kicking a man when he is down, are you sure this response was meant for me?
Dana from ET.com 🙂
I’m sure he has a lot he wants to say to the band. I’m sure he wants to explain his actions, maybe even apologize. Who knows? But they’ve moved on, got the album released and the tour is getting underway, so I’m sure that’s all they want to focus on. Plus, it’s a good bet that they’re not very happy with Phil right now.
Right you are James, the whole situation with Phil just sucks. I really hope for his sake he straightens himself out, but as far as reuniting with his old mates go, we’ll just have to wait and see.
No Phil, the band does not sound great without you. I know I may be the only one, but I won’t go see AC/DC unless it is going to sound like AC/DC. Without Phil, it will not.
I agree! I will only listen to original lineups of bands. In fact, AC/DC hasn’t sounded like AC/DC ever since they got that new singer! That’s why I stopped listening to them after Highway To Hell. I won’t listen to Van Halen without Michael Anthony. I’ve NEVER listened to Metallica because they got rid of Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney. I’ve also NEVER listened to this band called the Beatles since they got rid of Pete Best. Don’t even get me started on KISS!….
Phil isn’t the original drummer, just the best.
Cool so you don’t listen to AC/DC at all huh? Except maybe the 45 that they first put out.
Cuz Bon Scott wasn’t the Original Singer in AC/DC !
Dave Evans was and They even recorded with Dave Evans !
No He’s Not related to Mark Evans the old Bass player from AC/DC either!
Learn your Music History Before You Shoot yourself in the Foot!!
What the hell are you talking about? I’m just saying Phil is an awesome drummer and was replying to the dumb comment from the guy who said he listens to nothing without original members. I was stating that Phil was not on the first release of High Voltage. And believe me, AC/DC has been my favorite band for 30 years so I know more about them than most people.
Oh wait, I think you were replying to him. Sorry chris. My dumb ass fault. Eyes aren’t what they once were.
RandyK, you won’t be missed at the AC/DC shows. Thanks for letting us know that you aren’t going. We will have a much better time knowing you aren’t there.
Let’s face it, Rush has been going downhill ever since John Rutsey left, and Deep Purple? Haven’t listened to them since Nick Simper and Rod Evans were fired.
Now that is funny!
I would think the band would want to keep it’s distance during this tumultuous time for Phil. But, do wonder if some of the band members privately communicate and show support.
I would agree, probably best to maintain some distance at this point. With time, everyone can make more informed decisions about the future.
Rtunes68: you must not go any shows or listen to much music these days. Wow!!!