Phil Rudd insists he wouldn’t return to AC/DC with Axl Rose as frontman
Former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd says he’s open to rejoining the band but only if Axl Rose isn’t involved.
In July 2015, the 62-year-old rocker was sentenced to eight months home detention and ordered to pay £67,500 after he pleaded guilty to threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.
His legal troubles and general unpredictable behaviour led to AC/DC re-recruiting Chris Slade for the Rock or Bust World Tour bringing Rudd’s second stint with the band to an end.
In a fresh interview with the Bay of Plenty Times, Rudd says that although he’s focussing on his solo career he wouldn’t rule out a return to AC/DC on one condition.
Rudd said: "If Angus wanted me to play then that is up to him... but I don't really want to play with Axl Rose... I don't really rate him."
For now, Rudd is plotting a 2017 tour of the UK and Europe as well as a visit this October to visit the Sir Paul McCartney backed Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts to host a masterclass with students.
Rudd will be touring his solo album ‘Head Job’ alongside his bandmates and co-writers Allan Badger (bass/vocals) and Geoffrey Martin (guitars), which he was unable to promote upon its release due to his legal quagmire.
"Geoffrey is a great guitarist, just as good as Malcolm, better than if you ask me," Rudd added.
Elsewhere in the candid interview, Rudd revealed that he suffered a heart attack several weeks ago and needed an operation at a Tauranga Hospital to fix a blocked artery.
"I was just at home walking around at home, and I started feel, well just funny,” Rudd explained.
“You know how you can feel funny? I had a strange pain in my chest. So my housekeeper took me to the hospital, when they hooked me up and did all these tests turned out I had a big heart attack...my artery was all blocked up, and they said I had to stay in and have an operation.
"I sneaked out to the shop to get some cigarettes, then I realised I had no car, so I walked home to get the Ferrari, and drove back to the hospital."
Rudd insists he is “good now” after having a stent fitted in his arm.