Chris Slade back in AC/DC?

Former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade is rumoured to be rejoining the band in place of wayward sticksman Phil Rudd.

The band are due to play at the Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles next week, but Rudd isn’t allowed to leave New Zealand as a result of his court case over charges of threatening to kill and drug possession.

Slade was set to make a publicity appearance at The Optometry Practice in California on Saturday, but cancelled at short notice. Dr Alex Robin Liu, who owns the establishment, said via Facebook: “There’s actually big news regarding Slade and his career coming in several days, which is why he had to reschedule this event.”

Asked if the news was related to a band “spelt with four letters and a lightning bolt” Liu responds: “I am not totally sure to be honest with you. I am hoping for that!”

The Welsh drummer originally joined AC/DC in 1990 and was replaced when Rudd was brought back in 1994.

In December Slade admitted he stopped playing for three years after the split, describing it as “a real kick in the balls.”

Rudd recently insisted he’d be with the band when they tour in support of 17th album Rock Or Bust – their first without mainman Malcolm Young.

AC/DC British dates

Jun 28: Glasgow Hampden Park

Jul 01: Dublin Aviva Stadium

Jul 04: London Wembley Stadium

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.