Without Phil Rudd, with Cliff Williams

Although the well-known members Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd have rejoined AC/DC for their 2020 album “Power Up” – according to the stated band line-up, Phil Rudd will not be playing at the Power Trip Festival on October 7th.

First show in seven years

On Saturday (September 9), AC/DC shared an audio recording from rehearsals on social media. In the accompanying caption, the band explained that Matt Laug would be on drums. This will mark their first show in seven years at the Power Trip Festival in Indio, California without Phil Rudd.

“PWR UP for Power Trip! Listen to the guys rehearse as they heat it up with Cliff Williams coming out of retirement for the festival and Matt Laug on drums.”

In addition, the band line-up for the Power Trip Festival will also consist of lead guitarist Angus Young and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young. A reason for Rudd’s absence was not given and is currently unknown. His replacement Matt Laug has already played with Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper and Slash’s Snakepit and appeared on several tracks from Morissette’s multi-platinum album “Jagged Little Pill”.

This isn’t the first time drummer Phil Rudd has been replaced. He was previously replaced by Chris Slade on AC/DC’s Rock or Bust tour after he was arrested in 2014 over a series of serious legal issues. Cliff Williams also withdrew at the end of the “Rock or Bust” tour and singer Brian Johnson was replaced by Axl Rose mid-tour due to hearing problems.

Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Tool and Judas Priest will also perform at the three-day Power Trip Festival, which runs October 6-8.