By Hayden Wright
A litany of legal troubles circa 2014 effectively forced drummer Phil Rudd into exile from AC/DC, but Rudd says he’d be interested in rejoining the band to make music again. While he says he’s receptive to an offer from guitarist Angus Young, the prospect of performing with Axl Rose doesn’t appeal to him.
“If Angus wanted me to play then that is up to him,” Rudd told the Bay of Plenty Times. “But I don’t really want to play with Axl Rose … I don’t really rate him.”
Related: Phil Rudd Asks: Is it Even AC/DC Anymore?
The drummer expressed his skepticism about AC/DC’s new direction earlier this year.
“I’ve never felt better as a drummer or a person,” he told a New Zealand radio station in May. “I am not saying I never hope of ever playing with AC/DC again but, then again, is it even AC/DC any more? No Bon’s beautiful voice. No Malcolm. No Brian.”
In the Times interview, Rudd affirmed that despite a chaotic few years—criminal charges, home detention, drug abuse and a heart attack—he feels up to the challenge of performing again.
“I made mistakes, but I am really good now. Life is good. I’m positive and healthy,” he told the paper. “I really appreciate the support of the fans around the world, which kept me going through, you know, some of the dark times, and I cannot wait to play the music for them. It is going to rock.”