AC/DC just released their new album Rock or Bust and it seems to be more of the same powerful rock n’ roll the band has been putting out since the early 70s. Despite the fact that their music has remained the same, however, the band has been facing quite a bit of adversity lately. First, they had to say goodbye to founding member and rhythm guitarist Malcom Young, who had to leave the band last year after being diagnosed with dementia. Now, drummer Phil Rudd is facing some jail time with recent charges including drug possession and threatening to murder someone. So with the rhythm guitarist gone and the drummer possibly on the “highway to jail,” fans are wondering who might step in to save this struggling band; and it appears as though the answer to that question might be one of its former members.
Several reports indicate that former drummer Chris Slade, who played with the band for several years until the return of Rudd in 1994, might be re-appearing in the band’s lineup while Rudd’s court case is resolved. According to Classic Rock Magazine, Slade was set to appear at The Optometry Practice in California but cancelled on short notice. The owner of the establishment also posted on Facebook that there is some “big news” coming out regarding Slade’s career, which is what prompted him to cancel the event. Many are speculating that this “big news” might have something to do with AC/DC.
While Slade’s return to the band has not yet been confirmed, the announcement that he has “big news” comes at a very important time for AC/DC. The band is set to perform live in Los Angeles next week and Rudd is currently unable to leave New Zealand while he is awaiting his trial.
Rudd promised back in December that he would go on tour with AC/DC this year, even though it appears as though that might not be possible.
