Chris Slade reacts to rumours that Brian Johnson and Phil Rudd have rejoined AC/DC
Chris Slade has reacted to the recent speculation that Brian Johnson and Phil Rudd have rejoined AC/DC.
Back in August furtively captured photos emerged online that seemingly depicted AC/DC members Brian Johnson and Phil Rudd outside Vancouver’s Warehouse Studios where Stevie and Angus Young were allegedly spotted that week.
Understandably, the images led to intense fan speculation that Brian and Phil are back in the AC/DC fold and they’re laying down new material together.
The rumours were intensified weeks later when JAM Magazine quoted sources who claimed that the new AC/DC album will be dedicated to the memory of Malcolm Young and feature his distinctive rhythm guitar playing lifted from recording sessions several years before ‘Black Ice’.
> AC/DC rumour update: photo shows Phil Rudd and Brian Johnson in Vancouver https://t.co/h0OESDjQm6 #ACDC #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/oCSxngwmBz > > — The Georgia Straight (@georgiastraight) August 8, 2018
AC/DC have stayed tight-lipped about the speculation, however in a new interview with eonMusic, Chris Slade urged fans not to get too carried away.
“There’s all sorts of rumours; Axl (Rose is) going to be doing a track, Brian (Johnson is) going to be doing a track; there’s so many variables here,” Chris said.
“And I’ve learned with AC/DC also, not to believe the rumours, because even fans fake things; things just get faked. But Angus is now over sixty, I think, so he’s still got a few years to go, if you go by me and Brian (who are 72 and 71 respectively).
“That’s all he does; he relaxes by painting, and he smokes fags, and that’s about it, so the rest of the time, he’s playing guitar.”
Asked who would potentially fill in for the retired Cliff Williams on bass, Chris said: “I’m not sure about that. But Stevie (Young) and Angus both play bass. Would Cliff come out of retirement? It depends on if he’s bored or not, because all he will want to do these days is go fishing with his son, who is a professional fisherman.
“So, I don’t know. It’s possible, of course, but there again, it’s all rumours. But Angus is very family-orientated, a la Stevie, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a nephew or a cousin or something who plays bass. So, that’s just a thought.”