AC/DC Member Returns From ‘Retirement’
"PWR UP for Power Trip!"
AC/DC @ Marvel Stadium (Credit: Kane Hibberd)
It looks like Aussie rock legends AC/DC are already preparing for their upcoming set at Power Trip festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, from 6-8 October.
According to a new 34-second Instagram post that finds the band rehearsing If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It), AC/DC might have adjusted their line-up for the upcoming metal and hard rock festival.
The post says bassist Cliff Williams is “coming out of retirement” for the festival, and Matt Laug (Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper) is joining them on drums.
“PWR UP for Power Trip,” the band wrote on Instagram over the weekend. “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.”
At the time of writing, it’s unclear if AC/DC have recruited Laug for a one-time gig, replacing Phil Rudd, or if they’ll have two drummers onboard. It may also be difficult for Rudd to gain a visa and enter the US following his 2014 and 2015 legal issues. The drummer was placed in home detention for eight months after threatening to kill and possessing marijuana and methamphetamine.
AC/DC’s gig at Power Trip festival is a big deal – not only because they share a stage with Iron Maiden, Metallica, Tool, Guns N’ Roses and Judas Priest, but because it’s their first show in seven years.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
In 2016, AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson was advised to cease touring immediately to treat his hearing loss and avoid the risk of permanently becoming deaf. Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose stepped in for the band’s remaining tour dates. Thanks to new in-ear monitor technology, Johnson returned to the band a few years later.
In an excerpt from his memoir, The Lives Of Brian, released last year, Johnson revealed that he couldn't bear to watch Rose despite reports that he was doing a great job.
He wrote, “It’s like finding a stranger in your house, sitting in your favourite chair. But I bear no grudges. It was a tough situation. Angus and the lads did what they felt they had to do.”
AC/DC will perform on the second day of Power Trip festival - Saturday, 7 October, with fellow headliner Judas Priest, who replaced Ozzy Osbourne, who pulled out due to health issues.
More From Our Network
