Phil Rudd, the longtime drummer for the legendary rock band AC/DC, recently gave a candid interview revealing deep emotions about his complicated relationship with the band.

Despite his pivotal role in shaping AC/DC’s iconic sound, Rudd shared that he felt abandoned and betrayed when he was excluded from the band’s recent world tour, even though he contributed to their 2020 album *Power Up*.

His reflections provide a rare glimpse into the personal struggles behind the scenes of one of rock’s most enduring acts.

Phil Rudd first joined AC/DC in 1975, quickly becoming an integral part of the band’s rhythm section.

His steady, hard-hitting drumming helped define the band’s signature sound, contributing to classic albums such as *Highway to Hell* and *Back in Black*.

Over the decades, Rudd’s presence behind the drum kit was a cornerstone of AC/DC’s powerful, no-frills rock style.

However, his journey with the band wasn’t without challenges.

After leaving the band in the early 1980s, Rudd returned in 1994 and remained with AC/DC until 2015.

His departure was influenced by legal troubles and health concerns, but he still contributed to the band’s 2020 album *Power Up*.

Yet, despite this contribution, he was not invited to join the subsequent world tour.

This exclusion was painful. In the interview with New Zealand’s *Stuff*, Rudd described feeling isolated and emotionally hurt.

“There was a time when I thought it was the end of my world,” he said.

“I only knew life with AC/DC. Those people I thought loved me like a brother, they haven’t even picked up the phone.”

This honest admission reveals the loneliness he experienced after dedicating much of his life to the band.

Despite the sense of abandonment, Rudd’s affection for AC/DC’s early years and especially for the late frontman Bon Scott remains unwavering.

Scott, who tragically died in 1980 from alcohol poisoning, was more than just a bandmate to Rudd; he was the heart and soul of the band during its formative years.

“To me, AC/DC was always Bon,” Rudd said, emphasizing the lasting impact Scott had on the band’s identity.

His favorite album is *Highway to Hell*, and his favorite song is Scott’s “Touch Too Much.

” These words highlight the deep bond between the drummer and the frontman, both known for their raw energy and rebellious spirit.

For many fans, Bon Scott’s legacy continues to define AC/DC’s essence, even more than four decades after his death.

Rudd’s reflections show how much he still identifies with that original lineup, which changed rock history forever.

Rudd also opened up about the emotional loneliness he felt even during his years with AC/DC, especially after Scott’s passing.

“When Bon died, even in AC/DC I felt alone,” he revealed. This sentiment exposes the emotional toll of losing a close friend and bandmate and the challenges of carrying on without him.

Nevertheless, Rudd expressed gratitude toward the fans who have supported him through his highs and lows.

He acknowledged that the continued love from the audience “always humbles me, but makes me happy too.”

For a man often known for his stoic presence behind the drum kit, this vulnerability is a powerful testament to the human side of rock stardom.

One question fans frequently ask Rudd is whether he would ever rejoin AC/DC.

His answer is heartfelt and rooted in loyalty rather than fame or financial gain.

“People always ask me if I will play with AC/DC again,” he said.

“The only people I would do it for would be the fans. And for Bon. I would do it for Bon.”

This statement speaks volumes about Rudd’s enduring devotion to both the band’s legacy and the memory of Bon Scott.

Despite any personal distance between him and his former bandmates, his respect for the fans and for Scott’s spirit remains unwavering.

Phil Rudd’s name will forever be associated with some of AC/DC’s most iconic albums.

From *Highway to Hell* to *Back in Black* and *For Those About to Rock*, his precise and powerful drumming gave the band its trademark sound: simple, powerful, and unstoppable.

Though he left the band in 2015, his influence is still felt in the music.

His contributions to *Power Up* in 2020 prove that his drumming remains an integral part of AC/DC’s DNA.

Even without touring alongside his bandmates, Rudd’s rhythmic drive continues to echo through decades of hard rock history.

Throughout all the changes and personal challenges, Phil Rudd’s loyalty to Bon Scott and the global AC/DC fan community has never wavered.

His words serve as a touching tribute not only to the band’s past but also to the enduring connection between musicians and their fans.

While it remains uncertain whether he will ever share the stage with AC/DC again, one thing is clear: Phil Rudd’s heart still beats in time with the music that defined his life.

His story is a reminder that behind the powerful riffs and thunderous drums are real people with deep emotions and lasting bonds.