In a candid new interview with New Zealand’s Stuff, longtime AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd reflected on his complicated relationship with the legendary rock band — and how he still carries the spirit of Bon Scott with him decades after the singer’s passing.
Rudd, who recorded drums for AC/DC’s 2020 album “Power Up”, revealed that while he contributed to the record’s sound, he was not invited to join the band’s recent world tour. The experience, he admitted, was emotionally difficult and left him feeling isolated.
Feeling Abandoned by His Bandmates
“There was a time when I thought it was the end of my world,” he told Stuff. “I only knew life with AC/DC. Those people I thought loved me like a brother, they haven’t even picked up the phone.”
Rudd’s honesty paints a picture of a man who spent much of his life dedicated to the band, only to feel forgotten once he was no longer part of its lineup. Having first joined AC/DC in 1975, Rudd’s steady, hard-hitting drumming became a cornerstone of the band’s sound. His absence from the touring lineup of “Power Up” was immediately noticed by fans around the world.
Despite that sense of loss, Rudd’s deep affection for the band’s early years remains unshaken — especially his connection to the late frontman Bon Scott.
“To Me, AC/DC Was Always Bon”
“But to me AC/DC was always Bon,” Rudd said, referencing the iconic singer who died in 1980 from alcohol poisoning. “My favorite album is ‘Highway To Hell’. My favorite song — his song ‘Touch Too Much’.”
Rudd’s admiration for Scott highlights the bond between the drummer and the frontman, both known for their raw energy and rebellious spirit. For many longtime fans, Bon Scott’s influence continues to define the soul of AC/DC, even more than four decades after his death.
Rudd’s reflection on that era shows just how deeply he still identifies with the original lineup — one that changed rock history forever.
The Loneliness Behind the Legacy
Even during his years with the band, Rudd confessed that he often felt a sense of loneliness following Scott’s passing.
“When Bon died, even in AC/DC I felt alone,” he explained. “But I was never alone. The people who like the music, it always humbles me, but makes me happy too.”
It’s a rare glimpse into the emotional side of a drummer often known for his stoic presence behind the kit. Despite feeling isolated at times, Rudd expressed gratitude toward the fans who have continued to support him throughout his highs and lows — from his years at the top of the rock world to his more recent personal and professional challenges.
Would He Ever Return to AC/DC?
One question Phil Rudd is asked repeatedly is whether he would ever rejoin AC/DC. His answer makes it clear that his motivation would come from a place of loyalty, not fame or money.
“People always ask me if I will play with AC/DC again,” he continued. “The only people I would do it for would be the fans. And for Bon. I would do it for Bon.”
Those few sentences speak volumes about Rudd’s enduring devotion to both the band’s legacy and its original frontman. Despite any personal distance between him and his former bandmates, the drummer’s respect for the fans — and for Bon Scott’s memory — remains unwavering.
Phil Rudd’s Lasting Legacy with AC/DC
Phil Rudd’s name will forever be tied to some of AC/DC’s most iconic albums — including “Highway to Hell”, “Back in Black”, and “For Those About to Rock.” His precise, hard-grooving drum style gave the band its trademark sound: simple, powerful, and unstoppable.
After leaving the band in the early 1980s, Rudd rejoined in 1994 and remained until 2015, when legal issues and health concerns led to his departure. Still, his influence on AC/DC’s music and his contributions to “Power Up” in 2020 prove that his drumming remains an integral part of the band’s DNA.
Even without touring alongside his bandmates, Rudd’s presence is felt every time fans blast an AC/DC record. His rhythmic drive continues to echo through decades of hard rock history.
A Tribute to Bon Scott and the Fans
Through all the changes, Phil Rudd’s loyalty to Bon Scott and to the global community of AC/DC fans has never wavered. His words serve as a touching tribute not only to the band’s past but also to the enduring connection between musicians and the people who love their art.
While it’s uncertain whether Rudd will ever share the stage with AC/DC again, one thing is clear: the drummer’s heart still beats in time with the music that defined his life.
“The people who like the music, it always humbles me, but makes me happy too.”
That sentiment perfectly sums up Phil Rudd’s relationship with the fans — and his lifelong bond with the spirit of Bon Scott.
