The unstoppable rock 'n' roll force that is AC/DC has been having a rough go at things lately. It unfortunately parted ways with founding member Malcolm Young, who served as the steady rhythm guitarist on 14 albums before leaving to receive treatment for dementia in September. Another crucial piece of the hard rock puzzle, drummer Phil Rudd, had to take a break in order to deal with some bizarre legal issues. Now with AC/DC riding high on the success of Rock or Bust, they will no doubt be looking for a replacement until either Rudd is cleared or locked up. Steven Adler, Jason Bonham and Chris Cester are all suitable substitutes.
Currently, AC/DC has been seen with Bob Richards, the drummer who sat behind the kit for the filming of the "Play Ball" and "Rock or Bust" music videos. The band hasn't publicly announced Richards as the official replacement. They haven't even said Rudd is out of the band. Singer Brian Johnson and lead guitarist Angus Young have merely said that Rudd needs to get his act together, but that's about it. The percussionist is also set on returning to the band.
"I'm going back to work with AC/DC and I don't care who likes it or who doesn't," he said in December. "I want my job back and I want my reputation back."
AC/DC is gearing up for a performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards (Feb. 8) and it's unlikely that Rudd will be on the kit since he has a court date two days later in New Zealand. Richards is most likely the frontrunner to join the band, but there are a few other notable drummers who could take on the percussion duties if need be.
This is AC/DC we're talking about here. You can't throw Don Henley behind the kit like in 1989 when The Eagles drummer filled in for Adler to perform with Guns N' Roses at the American Music Awards. AC/DC has been able to last so long because every member is an essential part of making that driving, rock sound.
Here a few guys who would work, as long as they laid off the crash cymbals and drum-fills.
5. Chris Cester - Jet
In case you forgot about Jet, they were the band responsible for 2003's "Are You Gonna Be My Girl," which famously soundtracked a commercial for Apple's iPod. Cester is a fellow Australian and a listen to his band's Get Born debut is proof that he worships at the altar of AC/DC. His work is a little flashier than Rudd's, but he can really lock into a hard rock groove (exhibit A below).
4. Matt Sorum - The Cult, Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver
Velvet Revolver has been on hiatus for awhile as the group continues to "search" for a singer and Slash continues to hog Myles Kennedy. This puts Sorum in a unique position to shop his talents around to other bands, as long as The Cult doesn't mind. He's a proven rocker who's backed an iconic guitarist and captivating frontman already. Angus and Johnson could be next.
3. Steven Adler - Guns N' Roses, Adler
Okay, two former Guns N' Roses members may be too much, but considering Axl Rose is always adding and replacing musicians, it could be a lot worse. Adler makes the list with an asterisk because taking him back on the road with an act of AC/DC's caliber could reignite his drug addiction. Remember, he caught a second wave of fame on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and Sober House. But the man can straight up play, and he's already familiar with one of AC/DC's tunes.
2. Jason Bonham - Led Zeppelin, Foreigner
Since Led Zeppelin won't be calling any time soon, why not join another iconic rock group. Bonham has rhythm in his blood, being the descendant of Zep's original beatkeeper, John Bonham. Both groups call for a different style, but backing AC/DC almost has to be better than playing for Foreigner.
1. Chris Slade - Manfred Mann's Earth Band, AC/DC
If you have to find a new drummer, why not recruit someone who has been in the band before? The drummer played on 1990's The Razors Edge and toured with the group until 1993 when it decided to reunite with Rudd. As long as there's no bad blood on Slade's end, he's the best bet.
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