Watch AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Make a Surprise Comeback on Stage

While AC/DC storms through Northern Europe, former drummer Phil Rudd made a powerful return to the stage—this time in Auckland, New Zealand. Rudd joined the Full Metal Orchestra for a sold-out show at Spark Arena, proving that his groove is as heavy as ever.

The 13,000-strong crowd got a special treat as Rudd hammered through “Thunderstruck”, “Back In Black”, and his solo banger “Head Job”, before closing the night with a bagpipe-fueled “It’s a Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ’N’ Roll)”.

Metal Meets Symphony

The Full Metal Orchestra is a powerhouse fusion of a 29-piece classical ensemble and some of Aotearoa’s finest rock and metal talent. The lineup featured big names like Shihad frontman Jon Toogood, Devilskin’s Jennie Skulander, and EJ Barnes, daughter of Aussie icon Jimmy Barnes. But the real buzz? Phil Rudd showing up and stealing the spotlight.

“He was a quietly spoken, pleasant sort of guy with a dry sense of humour, though he became a juggernaut behind the kit,” said guitarist Brett Adams. “He knew what he wanted from the (admittedly slightly nervous) band, feel-wise, and gave some pointers. The best one, he said to someone, with one song, was, ‘You need to drink a bottle of whiskey and get into a street fight!’”

A Rock Dream Come True

Adams added:

“Having thrashed Highway To Hell and Back In Black in my teens, it was surreal being just feet away from Phil pumping out that unmistakable powerful groove. Very rewarding when he winked at me and simply said, ‘Good, Brett!’”

No word yet on whether this was a one-off—or if Rudd and the orchestra have more thunder to bring.