‘We’re not dead yet,’ says ex-AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd

Former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd said he would “dearly love” to play with his old band-mates again, as he prepares to take his first solo album on tour. The Australian musician, who left the renowned rock band for a second time last year, refused to rule out the possibility of joining them again, even though he is “proud as punch” of the way his new career is shaping up.

Now drummer and singer for his new group, he told the Press Association: “I’d dearly love to play on anything that Angus (AC/DC founder and lead guitarist Angus Young) does, anything that might be – it’s never over. “I have great stories with all the guys from AC/DC. We’ve gone through a lot together, done a lot together, done a lot of damage together.

“I have a lot of great memories with AC/DC and, even though some of us might not be very well, we’re not dead yet..”

Next year, the 62-year-old will be taking his solo album, Head Job, on a European tour that will pass through London, Manchester and Scotland. Describing it as his “life’s work”, it features music that he began working on as far back as 1985. “I’m chuffed to bits with it,” he said. “People seem to be enjoying it and we’re proud as punch about it.

“The process has been long in the making, but it has all come together. It’s my way to express myself.”

He revealed his former AC/DC band mates have been supportive and encouraging of his latest project, after a series of problems led to his eventual departure from the group and his replacement by Chris Slade. Last year Rudd was sentenced to eight months detention at his home in New Zealand following accusations of drug possession and threatening to kill an employee because of his album’s unsuccessful launch.

In the same year he also suffered a heart attack – an experience which he now describes as “enhancing” his work.

He said: “I feel 17, I’ve never been fitter. My blood flow is unlike anything I’ve ever known.” Commenting on his plans beyond the tour, Rudd said he and his new band – which he has yet to come up with a name for – are already working on a second album.  He described the tour almost as a test-run to gauge his fans’ reactions, and revealed that the list of dates may be extended.

“We can’t wait to pump it up, make a mark, and see how it goes,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll get a few downloads, or however it works now. But bring your earplugs because it will be loud.”