AC/DC are global rock ’n’ roll icons, but casual fans might be surprised to learn how much the band runs as a business as opposed to the brothers-in-arms mentality of many other groups. The band somewhat callously ditched singer Brian Johnson back in 2016 when the frontman found out he was suffering from a severe hearing issue. They replaced him with Axl Rose for the remainder of the tour.
It was even reported that Johnson’s belongings were shipped back to his doorstep without any discussion as to his situation — a move that angered many fans of the beloved vocalist.
Longtime classic AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd appears to be the latest former band member to get the cold shoulder from the band. Rudd appeared on AC/DC’s 2020 album “Power Up,” but has not been part of the band’s subsequent tour plans. Rudd recently talked about the “hurt” he once felt from the band in an interview with Stuff.
“There was a time when I thought it was the end of my world,” he said. “I only knew life with AC/DC. Those people I thought loved me like a brother, they haven’t even picked up the phone. But to me AC/DC was always Bon. My favorite album is ‘Highway to Hell.’ My favorite song – his song ‘Touch Too Much.’”
Rudd got choked up according the magazine when talking about Bon. “When Bon died, even in AC/DC I felt alone,” he said. “But I was never alone. The people who like the music, it always humbles me, but makes me happy too. People always ask me if I will play with AC/DC again. The only people I would do it for would be the fans. And for Bon. I would do it for Bon.”
Shortly after the band recorded their 2014 album “Rock or Bust,” Rudd did encounter a mess of legal problems stemming from a brief spell of substance abuse. That led to speculation that he had visa issues traveling around the world, but it doesn’t appear that those claims were ever officially confirmed.
Rudd recently performed with Full Metal Orchestra in New Zealand which can be seen below. He’s also planning a tour of Europe.
