Watch AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Returns to the Stage with Classic Orchestra
via ACDC ISOLATED / YouTube
A Comeback After Years Away
On July 26, AC/DC’s former drummer Phil Rudd made a rare live return after years out of the spotlight. He joined Full Metal Orchestra at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand—a sold‑out show for over 13,000 fans. The ensemble combined a 29‑piece classical orchestra with top voices from New Zealand’s rock scene, conducted by Sarah‑Grace Williams.
The show featured Shihad frontman Jon Toogood leading the set, with additional performances by singers like Jennie Skulander from Devilskin and EJ Barnes, daughter of Jimmy Barnes. But the night’s highlight was Rudd’s return with powerful renditions of AC/DC anthems including “Thunderstruck,” “Back In Black,” and “It’s a Long Way to the Top” with full orchestra and bagpipes.
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Rudd’s Performance and Band Feedback
Rudd kicked off by playing his solo track “Head Job” before joining the rock orchestra for AC/DC classics. The final song, “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll),” hadn’t been played live by AC/DC since 1979, making the performance especially memorable.
Guitarist Brett Adams, who played in the band backing the orchestra, praised Rudd’s presence. “He was a quietly spoken, pleasant sort of guy with a dry sense of humour, though he became a juggernaut behind the kit,” he said. Adams remembered how Rudd guided the band: “You need to drink a bottle of whiskey and get into a street fight!” He added that Rudd gave him a wink and said “Good, Brett!” after his playing.
Show Design and Audience Reaction
The show opened with orchestra-led versions of rock classics like Van Halen’s “Eruption” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” The orchestra’s scale, stage lighting, and pyrotechnics created a dramatic setting for each vocalist and song.
When Rudd arrived at center stage, audience energy peaked. The mix of orchestral swells, AC/DC’s hard-driving rhythm, and bagpipes for the finale gave the performance an iconic feel. Sparks flew as fans cheered every beat—especially during “Back In Black.” The blending of classical and rock made it one of the loudest and most emotional live moments of the night.
A Surprise Return with Possible Future
This landmark show marked Rudd’s first major public performance since late 2023. While it’s unclear if he and Full Metal Orchestra will perform again, organizers clearly set the stage for something big. For fans of classic rock, metal, and orchestral fusion, it was the kind of show that reshaped expectations of live performance.
