Bio
PHIL RUDD ‘ THE VERY DEFINITION OF ROCK DRUMMING’ Modern Drummer
Malcolm Young co-founder of AC/DC describes Phil Rudd as “the real deal”
Drumming peers from Kenny Aronoff (drummer for John Mellencamp) describes him as “the rock drummer” to Eric Singer of Kiss singing Phil Rudd’s praises “the heart and soul of AC/DC.”
The Australian drummer played in several Melbourne bands, such as Buster Brown and the Coloured Balls, before joining up with rock giants AC/DC in 1975.
Over the next four years Rudd powered the band to superstardom with his dogged consistency and unshakeable backbeat on classics like “It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Want To Rock ’N’ Roll)” “T.N.T” and “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” Phil Rudd is an indelible part of AC/DC history.
Rudd said he “went straight down the road to buy my first Ferrari” after the block busting epic album Highway to Hell went multi-platinum Worldwide.
To the inexperienced, Phil Rudd’s drumming may seem rudimentary. But his unselfish style and humongous groove have earned him the adoration of generations of drummers. Rammstein’s Christoph Schneider said in the October 2010 Modern Drummer, “AC/DC were my absolute heroes because they are simple and easy to copy—though soon you find they are not so easy to copy.” The magazine’s May 2010 issue also chimed in on the timeless rocker with the feature “50 Reasons To Love Phil Rudd”
The veteran musician has appeared on all but three of AC/DC’s 18 studio albums, which have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide.
“You couldn’t find a more solid person or drummer than Phil Rudd” said ex lead AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson
The former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was desperately missed on recent tours so much so Cliff Williams long standing bassist is retiring from AC/DC citing the fact he missed both Phil Rudd & Malcolm Young.
Phil Rudd during 2014 recorded and released his first debut album Head Job with Kiwi musicians Allan Badger and Geoffrey Martin. The release of Head Job via Universal Music Group only took place in Australia & New Zealand. However the promotion plans for Head Job were scuppered by well publicised legal problems in New Zealand.
“I couldn’t be bloody happier with Head Job , to tell you the truth” Phil told Libel Music. “I’m so proud of the album, everything I had to do with it. The guys played really well on it, it’s just too good. Really great, mate… I’m pretty happy with the drum sound”
With recent well publicised problems ( which ended up in Phil Rudd serving a 8 month home detention sentence ) naturally thwarted the 2014 release of Head Job. Phil is determined to leave all his problems behind him and is very focused on a positive life style . He will be visiting the UK and Europe on promotion for the Head Job re-release.
“My hell raising days are over” [Inspired by Sir John Kirwan the All Black Rugby Legend] “I see a psychiatrist once a week and I’m closer than ever to my children. I still have all my flash all his cars but now I want to grow chillies”
Phil Rudd showcased 11 of his luxury cars in a Christchurch ( New Zealand ) earthquake appeal fundraiser including a rare 1991 Ferrari F40 and a brand new Ferrari 599. Other cars on display included two Lamborghinis, a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost, 2011 Bentley Mulsanne and Bentley super sport, Audi R8 V10, a 2011 Aston Martin DBS, 2010 Mercedes SLS AMG. The 11 cars have a combined worth of approximately$3m (USD).
Rudd’s airport hangar is also home to his MD 520N helicopter.
Phil Rudd has turned a corner and completely dedicated his life to the more important things in his life including family , friends and music.
In 2020 Phil Rudd re-joined AC/DC drumming on the highly critically acclaimed Power Up album which has charted world-wide.