AC/DC Go Back to Basics in ‘Rock or Bust’ Video
UPDATE: Rock or Bust is now available to stream in its entirety on iTunes.
AC/DC have shared the music video for the title track off their upcoming album Rock or Bust, with the longtime hard rockers performing their new single in a small arena filled with 500 very excited fans. The “Rock or Bust” video was filmed at Middlesex, England’s Black Island Studios in early October. These simple performance music videos are a staple of AC/DC‘s over the past four decades, from “Hells Bells” to “Big Gun” to “Stiff Upper Lip,” with the formula still working in 2014.
But what’s most notable about the “Rock or Bust” video is what’s missing: Embattled AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd, who earlier this month was arrested for attempting to procure murder before that charge was dropped. The drummer still faces drug charges and a threatening to kill charge stemming from the arrest.
Drummer Bob Richards takes over for Rudd in the David Mallet-directed video. According to Blabbermouth, singer Brian Johnson told the audience who showed up at the “Rock or Bust” video shoot that Rudd would miss the filming due to a “family emergency.” Rudd was also absent for the band’s “Play Ball” video shoot.
Following the arrest, AC/DC wrote in a statement, “We’ve only become aware of Phil’s arrest as the news was breaking. We have no further comment. Phil’s absence will not affect the release of our new album Rock or Bust and upcoming tour next year.”
In the “Rock or Bust” video, we also see new rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, the nephew of founding AC/DC members Angus and Malcolm Young. The latter was forced to leave the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band after being diagnosed with dementia. Rock or Bust, which arrives on December 2nd, is the first AC/DC album not to feature Malcolm Young.