Phil Rudd brought the solid rock rhythm to AC/DC’s signature sound during his two stints with the band

SINCE auditioning for AC/DC in late 1974, Phil Rudd has been regarded as an integral part of the band. But it appears his playing days with the rock gods are over.

PHIL Rudd was already a respected player in Melbourne’s rock scene before he auditioned to become the permanent drummer for the fledgling AC/DC in late 1974.

He had set his sights on a music career in his teens and furthered his reputation as a serious player with the tough suburban rock outfit Buster Brown, fronted by future Rose Tattoo leader Angry Anderson.

The pair had a falling out over money and at 21, Rudd was working in a car wash and gigging with Lobby Loyde and the Coloured Balls when he found out AC/DC were looking for a drummer.

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Height of fame ... AC/DC is 1979 featured Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Cliff Williams, Angus Young and Phil Rudd. Picture: Getty.

AC/DC’s original manager Michael Browning said “Phil became integral to AC/DC’s musical style and was over time admired worldwide by his peers for his wonderful timing and feel” in his recent book Dog Eat Dog.

Rudd’s solid, thundering rhythm would anchor the band through all of their early records and tours.

The drummer was particularly close to singer Bon Scott and was hit badly with grief after his death in 1980.

He continued on with the band until 1983, then quit after finishing recording his parts for their 1983 album Flick of The Switch.

The fiercely private AC/DC family closed ranks after his departure, remaining tight-lipped about the reasons behind Rudd leaving and quickly hiring British musician Simon Wright to replace him.

It later emerged that Rudd had had a confrontation with rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young and had problems with alcohol and substance abuse.

Solid rock ... Rudd has been as responsible for AC/DC’s signature sound as Angus and Malcolm Young. Picture: Getty Images.

Browning noted in Dog Eat Dog that the drummer would smoke a “fair amount of pot” on the road during their early tours and also suffered from occasional anxiety attacks.

After leaving the band, Rudd moved to New Zealand, playing music for pleasure to keep his hand in as well as indulging his passion for motor racing. He also achieved a helicopter pilot’s licence.

Rudd rejoined the band in 1994 after the Young brothers asked him to join them for a jam session during their New Zealand tour.

Many fans hailed the drummer’s return to the line-up, convinced AC/DC had never sounded the same with Wright and then Chris Slade.

In between tours and recording in the band, Rudd has had a couple of previous encounters with authorities in New Zealand.

He pleaded guilty to cannabis possession in December 2010 and fined $250 after 25gms of marijuana was found on his boat berthed at the Tauranga marina.

Rudd also has a restaurant in Tauranga called Phil’s Place, which was closed for several months after a dispute with his employees.

He was ordered by the Employment Relations Authority to pay more than $72,000 to the former employees and appealed the decision.

Rudd released his debut solo record called Head Job in August.

No drummer ... Phil Rudd is not included in any of the new AC/DC band photos for their Rock or Bust release. Picture: Supplied.

Music industry insiders have signalled that Rudd may have already left AC/DC for the second time.

The drummer is missing from the most recent photo of the band posted to their website to announce the new Rock Or Bust album release date in America.

Only four members, frontman Brian Johnson, founder Angus Young, bassist Cliff Williams and Malcolm Young’s replacement, Stevie Young, are pictured.

Malcolm left the band this year after being diagnosed with dementia.

And the band’s record label have been supplied with a new promotional image for the Rock or Bust release which does not include Rudd, suggesting he would not be continuing with the band despite claiming he would be back to drumming duties while promoting his solo record in August.

He may not have been able to tour in America because of his drug conviction in 2010 but it is believed he did play on the new album which was recorded in Vancouver.

Rock or Bust is out in Australia on November 28 ahead of the American release on December 2.

The band’s representatives declined to comment on Rudd’s court appearance or the charges.

Originally published as Phil Rudd brought the solid rock rhythm to AC/DC’s signature sound during his two stints with the band