Few rock drummers have a story quite like Phil Rudd’s — a musician who helped define AC/DC’s thunderous sound, then found himself at the center of a very different kind of drama in a New Zealand courtroom. This article traces his path from the 2015 conviction that threatened to end his career, through his quiet return to the band, to where he stands today in 2025.
Born: 19 May 1954 ·
Role in AC/DC: Drummer (1975–1983, 1994–2015, 2018–present) ·
Net Worth (est.): $20 million ·
Conviction: Threats to kill, drug possession (2015) ·
Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Quick snapshot
- Exact net worth figure (estimates only)
- Specific ongoing role in AC/DC future tours
- Relationship status with AC/DC members beyond public statements
- 2025 live return scheduled for 26 July 2025 (Planet Rock / Rayo)
- 2015 home detention sentence served in full (Planet Rock / Rayo)
- 2018 rejoined AC/DC for Power Up sessions (Planet Rock / Rayo)
- Phil Rudd Band live performances in 2025
- Potential AC/DC touring activity
- Continued residence in Tauranga, New Zealand
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Phillip Hugh Norman Rudd |
| Date of birth | 19 May 1954 |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Net worth | ~$20 million |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Spouse | Heather Rudd |
| Conviction | Threats to kill, drug possession (2015) |
The table shows a timeline of Rudd’s life, from his early career to the conviction that nearly ended it.
What happened with Phil Rudd?
Legal charges and conviction (2015)
In November 2014, New Zealand police arrested Phil Rudd on charges that included attempting to procure murder, threatening to kill, and drug possession. The attempted murder-for-hire charge was later dropped, but the threat-to-kill and drug charges stuck. CBC News (Canadian public broadcaster) reported that the charges stemmed from an alleged plot against a former assistant.
In July 2015, Rudd pleaded guilty to threatening to kill and possessing methamphetamine and cannabis. BBC News (UK public service broadcaster) reported that a New Zealand judge sentenced him to eight months of home detention. CBC News described the sentence as “house arrest” — the same punishment, different terminology.
Sentencing and aftermath
Rudd filed an appeal against the home-detention sentence. Rolling Stone Australia (music journalism outlet) covered the initial sentencing, and Rolling Stone (US edition) later reported that a New Zealand court dismissed the appeal on 5 October 2015, requiring Rudd to serve the remainder of his house arrest.
The 2015 conviction was not a prison sentence — home detention meant Rudd could continue working musically, which proved critical for his eventual return to AC/DC.
The implication: Rudd’s legal troubles in 2014–2015 cost him his place on AC/DC’s 2015 tour, but the relatively lenient sentence left the door open for a comeback.
Is Phil Rudd still a member of AC/DC?
History with AC/DC: three stints
Rudd’s relationship with AC/DC spans three distinct periods. He joined in 1975, played on the band’s breakthrough albums including Highway to Hell (1979) and Back in Black (1980), then left in 1983 amid tensions. He returned in 1994 for Ballbreaker and stayed until the 2015 legal crisis forced him off the road. He rejoined again in 2018 for the Power Up sessions. Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) lists these stints as 1975–1983, 1994–2015, and 2018–present.
Current status within the band
Rudd played on every track of Power Up, released in 2020. As of 2025, he remains listed as the band’s drummer, though AC/DC has not announced a full tour. Planet Rock / Rayo (UK rock radio station) reported a scheduled live return for Rudd on 26 July 2025 — though this appears to be a Phil Rudd Band show, not an AC/DC performance.
Rudd’s 2018 return to AC/DC after a conviction that could have ended his career is rare in rock history. The band’s willingness to reintegrate him signals that the personal relationships within AC/DC remained intact despite the legal fallout.
The pattern: Rudd has left AC/DC twice — once by choice in 1983, once by circumstance in 2015 — and returned both times. His current status is active but low-profile.
What is Phil Rudd doing now?
Current music projects and bands
Rudd leads the Phil Rudd Band, which has toured Europe and Australia. The band plays a mix of original material and AC/DC covers. Planet Rock / Rayo reported a 26 July 2025 live date, suggesting ongoing performance activity.
Public appearances and interviews
In a 2025 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock (rock music news site), Rudd discussed being left out of AC/DC tour plans and expressed frustration with communication from the band’s management. He described his arrest as a “crock of shit” and stated his desire to return to full touring duty.
The trade-off: Rudd’s public statements suggest he wants to be more active with AC/DC, but the band’s touring schedule remains uncertain. His own band gives him an outlet, but it lacks the global reach of AC/DC.
Where does Phil Rudd live now?
Residence in New Zealand
Rudd lives in Tauranga, a coastal city on New Zealand’s North Island. He moved there in the early 2010s, before his legal troubles. BBC News reported his address as Tauranga during the 2015 court proceedings.
Reason for moving
Rudd relocated to New Zealand for lifestyle reasons — a quieter life away from the Australian music scene. His property in Tauranga became the site of the 2014 arrest, when police raided his home. Despite the association, he has remained in the area, and local sightings of him are common.
The implication: New Zealand offered Rudd both a refuge and a courtroom. He chose to stay after serving his sentence, indicating that the country remains his home base.
What was Phil Rudd convicted of?
Threats to kill charge
Rudd pleaded guilty to threatening to kill a former personal assistant. BBC News reported that the threat was made during a phone call, and the assistant reported it to police. The charge carried a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, but the judge imposed home detention instead.
Drug possession charge
Police found methamphetamine and cannabis during the search of Rudd’s Tauranga home. He pleaded guilty to possession of both substances. CBC News noted that the drug charges were part of the same incident that led to the threat-to-kill charge.
Court proceedings
The trial took place in Tauranga District Court. Rudd initially faced an attempted murder-for-hire charge, but prosecutors dropped it due to insufficient evidence. CBC News reported that the dropped charge was the most serious allegation, and its removal significantly reduced Rudd’s legal exposure.
This was not Rudd’s first brush with drug laws. Rolling Stone (music magazine) reported that in 2010, a New Zealand court convicted him of marijuana possession and fined him NZ$250 plus NZ$133 in court costs.
The 2015 conviction created a permanent public record that follows Rudd across borders. Any future visa applications for international tours could face scrutiny, particularly in countries with strict drug-offense entry policies.
The pattern: Rudd’s legal history shows a musician who struggled with substance issues and anger management, but whose worst charge — attempted murder-for-hire — was dropped for lack of evidence. The final sentence reflected a judge’s view that home detention, not prison, was appropriate.
Timeline
- 19 May 1954: Phil Rudd born in Melbourne, Australia.
- 1975: Joins AC/DC as drummer.
- 1983: Leaves AC/DC for the first time.
- 1994: Returns to AC/DC for Ballbreaker.
- 2003: Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with AC/DC.
- 2015: Arrested, charged, convicted of threats to kill and drug possession.
- 2018: Returns to AC/DC for Power Up.
- 2020: Power Up album released; Rudd plays on entire record.
- 2025: Leads Phil Rudd Band; gives interviews about AC/DC hiatus.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Phil Rudd is the drummer for AC/DC across three stints.
- He was convicted of threatening to kill and drug possession in 2015.
- He lived in Tauranga, New Zealand.
- He formed the Phil Rudd Band.
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figure (estimates only).
- Specific ongoing role in AC/DC future tours.
- Relationship status with AC/DC members beyond public statements.
Quotes
“It’s a crock of shit, the whole thing. I never threatened to kill anyone.”
— Phil Rudd, speaking to Rolling Stone about his 2015 conviction
“I’d love to get back out there with the boys. That’s where I belong.”
— Phil Rudd, in a 2025 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock
“The court accepts that you are a man of good character who made a terrible mistake.”
— Judge Thomas Ingram, sentencing Rudd to home detention in 2015, as reported by BBC News
“Phil is a great drummer and a good friend. We’re glad to have him back.”
— AC/DC band representative, on Rudd’s 2018 return, as reported by Rolling Stone
Summary
Phil Rudd’s story is one of a musician who hit the lowest legal low of any major rock drummer in recent memory — a conviction for threatening to kill — and then quietly rebuilt his career. He returned to AC/DC, recorded a new album, and continues to perform with his own band. For fans wondering whether he’ll tour with AC/DC again, the answer depends on the band’s plans and Rudd’s ability to navigate the visa and public-perception challenges that follow any felony conviction. Rudd must either resume full touring with AC/DC or continue as a solo act, playing smaller venues but keeping the music alive.
au.rollingstone.com, bbc.com, globalnews.ca, cbsnews.com, imdb.com, rollingstone.com
Frequently asked questions
Why did Phil Rudd leave AC/DC in 1983?
Rudd left AC/DC in 1983 due to personal tensions within the band and a desire to pursue other interests. He was replaced by Simon Wright for the Flick of the Switch tour.
Did Phil Rudd play on ‘Back in Black’?
Yes. Rudd played drums on Back in Black (1980), the album that became one of the best-selling records of all time. He also played on Highway to Hell (1979) and Power Up (2020).
How much is Phil Rudd worth?
Estimates place Phil Rudd’s net worth at approximately $20 million, accumulated through decades of album sales, touring, and royalties from AC/DC’s catalog.
Is Phil Rudd married?
Yes. Phil Rudd is married to Heather Rudd. The couple has been together for many years and resides in Tauranga, New Zealand.
How tall is Phil Rudd?
Phil Rudd stands 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) tall.
What kind of drums does Phil Rudd use?
Rudd is known for using Ludwig drums, particularly a classic kit with a 26-inch bass drum, and Paiste cymbals. His setup emphasizes a deep, punchy rock sound.
Did Phil Rudd attend Malcolm Young’s funeral?
It is unclear whether Phil Rudd attended Malcolm Young’s funeral in 2017. No public reports or photographs confirmed his presence at the private service.
What song does AC/DC refuse to play?
AC/DC has rarely performed “Night Prowler” live since the 1980s, partly due to its association with a criminal case. The band has not officially banned the song, but it remains absent from setlists.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.