Rudd's tenure with AC/DC spanned from 1975 to 1983, and again from 1994 to 2015, making him a core member during the band's most commercially successful eras. He was dismissed from the band in 2015 following a legal incident, and the band continued with drummer Matt Starr. Despite his departure, Rudd remains a permanent member of the classic lineup and retains royalties from his recorded work. His solo album "Head Job," released in 2014, showcased his songwriting beyond AC/DC.
Phil Rudd's Legal Issues and Personal Life
2014 Drug and Threatening Charges
In 2014, Phil Rudd faced serious legal troubles in New Zealand after being charged with threatening to kill a former employee and possessing methamphetamine and cannabis. The charges stemmed from a 2013 incident where he allegedly hired an undercover detective to assault the employee, who later refused to cooperate. He pleaded guilty to the drug charge and the threatening-to-kill charge, receiving a suspended eight-month sentence and a fine of NZ$2,500. The New York Times covered the case as a dramatic fall for a rock legend.
Impact on AC/DC and Career
The legal issues led to Rudd's immediate dismissal from AC/DC in 2015, with the band issuing a statement citing his unsuitability for touring. The band's subsequent album "Rock or Bust" was recorded without him, and they officially replaced him with Matt Starr for the tour cycle. Rudd filed a lawsuit against AC/DC and Sony Music in 2016, claiming wrongful termination and breach of contract, but the case was settled privately. His personal life has been marked by a long residence in New Zealand, where he has lived since the 1980s.
Phil Rudd's Legacy and Current Status
Influence on Hard Rock Drumming
Phil Rudd's drumming style, characterized by its tight, syncopated grooves and powerful fills, has influenced generations of rock drummers. His work on AC/DC's early records is widely regarded as a benchmark for hard rock rhythm sections. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 as a member of AC/DC, cementing his legacy in music history. Rolling Stone has ranked him among the greatest rock drummers of all time.
Recent Activities and Net Worth
As of the latest available public data, Phil Rudd maintains a low public profile, focusing on personal interests and occasional music projects. His net worth remains stable at an estimated $10 million, supported by royalties, solo work, and past AC/DC earnings. He has not publicly commented on a return to AC/DC, and the band's current lineup continues without him. Bill