No Teeth, All Teeth: The Relative Return Of Phil Rudd

Today's post is from our friend HIM.

Everyone likes a “phoenix” story. You know the plot: threaten to kill some people after you release a middling solo album that goes nowhere, and just after you recorded with an epic band that gave your career life, only to be replaced by Mr. Clean and left for dead while you sorted out your legal and substance abuse problems. It is a timeless tale.  

Phil Rudd did himself no favors. He basically fired himself from AC/DC. But drugs will do that to you. Now he seems to be back. A bit wounded from the mess he created. A bit hurt that Angus (really the CEO of the corporation that is AC/DC) won’t return his calls. But not “I am gonna kill that guy” hurt. Hurt in that “something to prove” sense.  

Sad thing is, he doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to proving he is back. He has interviews. Everyone loves a car crash, especially when the crash in question is feeling his Irish (sans alcohol). He has his solo band and their album Head Job. Everyone likes a bad pun and some basic rock n’ roll.  

Here’s the thing though: Phil Rudd in a bar playing basic rock n’ roll is pretty much the template that AC/DC created, then developed, then launched into mind-dizzying success. So this is Rudd back where it kinda began. Starting over again. Something to prove and nothing to prove at the same time.  

So when I see this:

Or this:

I am actually pretty proud of the fella. Sure he is missing all of his teeth (I only mention that because it is so obvious and odd to watch). But he is keeping the beat like he always did. I can almost squint and see him in those cop shades, smoking a cig, while proficiently keeping the beat before he lost the job the last time. And Allan Badger is a gutsy vocalist cut from the same cloth as Johnson and Scott. He is no singer. But he does what he does well, while swaying around and bring his considerable heft to bear on the proceedings. Thing is, Badger doesn’t really seem to care what you think. And that seems to be more AC/DC that AC/DC has been in a few years, with some (but not all) apologies to Axl Rose.  

Yes, I know. Rudd is not AC/DC’s original drummer. Geesh. He only joined in 1975. We all miss Clack, Burgess, and the host of others that were with them in those earlier two years. But it is hard to not root for him. There are too many of these stories that end poorly. And if wishing Rudd well means anything, then it might mean the guy has a fighting chance to make something of himself after making a mess of a pretty sweet life.  

Not rooting for Rudd is akin to applauding the death of rock n’ roll. So I hope we can all muster more than a golf clap when it comes to his future.

Comments

[Kixchix]

Love how he keep the beat with his mouth moving to try (in vain) and find some teeth. Straight outta The Simpsons.

Nice writing HIM.

Cant feel empathy for the guy. He already hit Lotto with his AC/DC lot in life and all it comes with. I cheer for the guy who doesn't have the resources, support and ability to get clean because of the cards they were dealt. That's a true rock star

[Gary]

His lack of teeth is "meth mouth",plain and simple. You can't live on meth,ciggies,and booze and expect to do Colgate commercials 20 years down the line.( Maybe the before guy in an Aspen Dental ad? Lol )That being said, the guy always was a veritable metronome behind a drum kit. Good to see that's still intact. 👍

[Jeff]

I think he should go ahead and reunite with Brian Johnson and have two AC/DC's. Seems appropriate these days.....

[Him]

You had me laughing and agreeing with you (in part), Kixchix. Excellent comment. I suppose, personally, that I don't feel the need to begrudge Rudd his success or left him off the hook for making a royal mess of it. That he seems to be sorta' back in control is a good thing for any of us who liked what he contributed to our musical memories. But you are spot on: there are a lot of heroes out there who don't get the spotlight, but still shine by their example . . . to friends, loved ones, and even strangers. I was just attempting to throw a bit of light on a person who by all accounts should be dead . . . but isn't. Perhaps he can become an example too. Who knows?

And, Gary, you are at it again! Those toothsome comments had me laughing. Please keep it up!

[fletch]

ted nugent is now fox news'