Classic members Brian Johnson (vocals), Cliff Williams (bass), and Phil Rudd (drums) all rejoined AC/DC for their 2020 album Power Up. However, Rudd won’t be behind the kit when the band performs its first show in seven years on October 7th at the Power Trip festival in Indio, California.
On Saturday (September 9th), AC/DC posted rehearsal audio on their social pages (see below), with the caption: “PWR UP for Power Trip! Listen to the rehearsal of the boys powering up with Cliff Williams, who’s coming out of retirement for the festival and Matt Laug on drums.”
Laug is a veteran drummer who has played with Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper, and Slash’s Snakepit, among other acts. Most notably, he performed on several tracks on Morissette’s multiplatinum album Jagged Little Pill.
No reason was given for Rudd’s absence. The drummer had previously been replaced by Chris Slade on AC/DC’s “Rock or Bust” tour following an arrest in 2014 for a slew of serious legal issues.
Williams had retired at the end of the “Rock or Bust” tour, while Johnson had been replaced by Axl Rose in the midst of that outing due to hearing issues.
The band’s lineup for Power Trip now appears to be Johnson, Williams, Laug, lead guitarist Angus Young, and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young (who had previously replaced the late Malcolm Young).
The three-day Power Trip fest, taking place October 6th-8th, also features Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Tool, and Judas Priest (who are filling in for the originally announced Ozzy Osbourne). Tickets are available here.
Take a listen to AC/DC rehearsing “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” for the upcoming Power Trip festival below.
PWR UP for Power Trip! Listen to the rehearsal of the boys powering up with Cliff Williams, who’s coming out of retirement for the festival and Matt Laug on drums. pic.twitter.com/FdpX3bf65a
— AC/DC (@acdc) September 9, 2023