Who rejoined AC/DC in 1994?

Phil Rudd rejoined AC/DC in 1994. The Australian drummer had first played with the band from 1975 to 1983, helping define the tight, understated rhythm sound heard on albums such as Highway to Hell and Back in Black.

After leaving AC/DC in 1983, Rudd lived in New Zealand and was replaced by Simon Wright, followed later by Chris Slade. During work connected with the Big Gun single for the Last Action Hero soundtrack, the band renewed contact with Rudd and invited him back. He accepted in 1994.

Rudd’s return became especially visible on Ballbreaker, released in 1995, which was AC/DC’s first studio album featuring him since Flick of the Switch. The album reunited him with the Young brothers and restored the classic drummer-led feel many fans associated with the band’s most influential era.

A common mix-up is confusing this return with Rudd’s later return in 2020. He rejoined AC/DC again for the Power Up era after a five-year absence, but the 1994 reunion is the one that led to Ballbreaker and the subsequent world tour.