A huge bomb has just been dropped in the AC/DC rumor mill. A photo taken near Warehouse Studios in Vancouver, where the band did their last three albums, shows vocalist Brian Johnson and original drummer Phil Rudd coming out of a non-conspicuous entrance/exit. Could this mean that AC/DC are recording with their two veteran members back in the fold?
The rumor of a new album has been floating around for a bit. But the big concern was that Axl Rose, who came in to relieve Brian Johnson of vocal duties mid-tour due to hearing problems, was going to be the vocalist on the new album. Now, having Axl come in and finish the tour was smart. And Angus certainly made all the doubters shut up when after their first shows hit youtube. But to do a new record with him on lead vocals is a line-crosser. And it looks like Angus, who calls all the shots, knows that.
While Johnson’s presence is a relief. Rudd’s is a major surprise. Being kicked out of the band for meth and a conspiracy murder for hire scheme. I don’t think anyone expected him to be in this new photo that’s surfaced. Because he might be a liability. Obviously he’s done something to turn himself around. Maybe Angus is just giving him a shot. Who knows? The photo isn’t particularly revealing except for the fact that Johnson and Rudd are in it. And it’s at the recording studio where they did their last album. Other than that we don’t know anything. They may just be rehearsing for some songs Angus has written. He might change his mind about Johnson and Rudd. After the last few years of AC/DC it’s clear that he’s the one calling all the shots.
The other question is, is that if AC/DC are in fact doing a new album, how long can they last with their formula? Obviously it’s stood the test of time. The band has been around for 40 plus years now. And not every song sounds exactly the same. But you often have to go into the deep cuts to find those tracks often times. Their most well known songs revolve around basically the same three chords. Don’t get me wrong, they’re catchy chords. And AC/DC are without question one of the best live bands I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. I mean, really, truly memorable and inspiring. But not every one of their albums has been a smash. But that was at a different time. Now it seems that no matter what this band does it’s going to be successful. So if they’re simply rehearsing to go out on one more go run, I’m all for it. Having Johnson and Rudd back in the fold is going to be massive. But one more great album would be even better.
