Phil Rudd

[mattsamoto]

Good thing I joined this forum. How can you have a list of drummers with no Phil Rudd.

The guy defines the word 'solid'.

he always reminds me that you can keep it simple and interesting. I think the album Highway to Hell has some of the most tasteful drumming.

Anyone else? Eh?

[NUTHA JASON]

phil rudd.

one of the finest drum teachers alive. i mean it.

j

[cjl71178]

I agree...in the dictionary for the word "solid", Phil's picture should be right next to it!

[largo61]

The only way to describe Phil Rudd is "Simple Perfection". He doesn't do anything too fancy. He just does what fits perfect with the song. He is definately one of my favorite drummers. To bad he was gone from AC/DC for so long. He is back now but for the longest time it was Chris Slade and someone else I can't remember. The Razors edge was recorded using Chris Slade. Not that he wasn't a good drummer, but he was no Phil Rudd. I doubt rudd has ever used a splash in his life.

[NUTHA JASON]

funnily enough phil also doesn't use a ride. he just has loads of really big crashes. does kind of beg the question though: is a 22 '' crash not a ride? when does one change into the other?

j

[DrumGod]

I love phils less is more attitude as it shows he aint in the band to be the star he is doing a drummers job and keep the timing solid etc

[DogBreath]

Good thing I joined this forum. How can you have a list of drummers with no Phil Rudd.
Welcome to the DrummerWorld forum. This forum exists as an extension of the main DrummerWorld site, which of course has a page devoted entirely to Phill Rudd (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Phil_Rudd.html), including pictures, a biography, and a list of bands that he has played with.

[bigbang]

i'm sorry guy's but i take exception to this ... i have worked long and hard ( as probably many of you have) to get to the cusp of being fairly professional only to have people praise a guy that keeps 2&4 mediocrely. It's like a meg white arguement.Just because they are in a popular band they get the world of drummers thrown at their feet.This really pisses me off.And don't say that he SERVES the music 'cause there is plenty of space in acdc's songs that a good fill would augment the song...

[bigbang]

sorry guy's i never had the chance to finish my reply...that being said(what i said above)i still think that "BACK IN BLACK " is probably the one of the best rock albums ever.....i also thought "FLICK OF THE SWITCH " was their most underated....

[Mcot2]

i'm sorry guy's but i take exception to this ... i have worked long and hard ( as probably many of you have) to get to the cusp of being fairly professional only to have people praise a guy that keeps 2&4 mediocrely. It's like a meg white arguement.Just because they are in a popular band they get the world of drummers thrown at their feet.This really pisses me off.And don't say that he SERVES the music 'cause there is plenty of space in acdc's songs that a good fill would augment the song...

If your a "fairly professional" drummer and you can't appreciate phil rudd then you have a long way to go sir.

[fourstringdrums]

I never really appreciated Phil Rudd until after I read an interview with Lars Ulrich where he talked about how Phil plays behind the beat alittle bit. I never knew this and then one day I heard AC/DC on the radio and it hit me how much he does play behind the beat alittle. It does so much for the song. By that alone you know whether it's him or not.

Nutha, it never occured to me that he doesn't use a ride :)

[NUTHA JASON]

playing behind the beat is a crucial skill for drummers who want to sound fat. often what makes the ;less is more' drummers great is their abilty to play around the marker so subtly that it takes a good drummer to spot it but joe public just feels the sex groove there.


in rhythm mag a while ago they interviewd phill and he said he doesn't use a ride.
j

[drummerstix_au]

I remember my very first drum lesson sometime around 1980-81... my drum teacher goes through my records... pulls out AC/DC's Highway to Hell.

He started me just playing a simple 2 & 4, ever since Phill Rudd has been the back bone of my playing style.

[ewanlaing]

i just got the album "let there be rock". he is VERY solid, and i noticed he keeps the high hat pedal going throughout. a sign that he really feels the beat. it's funny he doesn't use a ride, but then he doesn't seem to use any of his toms either most of the time. you can tell he is good from how perfect the start of "whole lotta rosie" sounds.

[mesabplayer]

Solid,Steady, an absolutely awesome drummer....

[Stu_Strib]

Intangibly great. Just play along with headphones and see why. He's just more proof why all the up and coming young chops-driven drummers need to just slow down a bit and figure out the 2&4 first.

[lilblakdak]

I pattern my whole style after Phil. Everything from my playing to my sound. Dirty Deeds is a fave.

[pcmckay]

I have always enjoyed playing along with AC/DC records or CD's (which ever era your from). Phil is very solid and creates such a great groove with Angus's guitar riffs. I am glad people are talking about him on this web site, I think a lot of drummers take him for granted.

[ewanlaing]

there's something very professional about him, even though most of his stuff isn't too hard to play. you can tell he's really good, just by listening to his basic rock beat.
i can't quite place my finger on it...

[lilblakdak]

Its knowing what not to play that makes Phil great. think of how the groove on Highway to Hell would have been ruined with a great Potnoyesque (new word alert) fill at the end of every verse. Its like Willy Nelson says about alot of singers, "Theyre trying to hard, just relax and sing"

[Leadfoot]

i'm sorry guy's but i take exception to this ... i have worked long and hard ( as probably many of you have) to get to the cusp of being fairly professional only to have people praise a guy that keeps 2&4 mediocrely. It's like a meg white arguement.Just because they are in a popular band they get the world of drummers thrown at their feet.This really pisses me off.And don't say that he SERVES the music 'cause there is plenty of space in acdc's songs that a good fill would augment the song...

I've seen dozens of bands do AC-DC cover tunes, it's amazing how nobody ever really mimics Phils groove. Most of the players, even an AC-DC tribute band I've seen, throw in that seemingly good augmenting fill or too busy on the bass drum or whatever only to completely destroy the feel of the song. Just an observation, not trying to be argumentative.
I got to see Phil with AC-DC in 1979, when Bon Scott was still around. Kewl.

[shuffle]

Layin' out a very solid groove, that's what he's all about.

I also saw them live, and you can tell that he's in charge back there.

[tamaman]

I would say that Phil was not one of my favorite drummers but I also grew up in the era of greats such as Carl Palmer, Bill Bruford, John Bonham,Neil Peart and Stewart Copeland . I am not going to cut Phil down as the music that he played served the interests of AC/DC and not Phil Rudd. He appears to be more comfortable as a "team" player. Kind of like Charlie Watts for the "Rolling Stones".

[pcmckay]

i'm sorry guy's but i take exception to this ... i have worked long and hard ( as probably many of you have) to get to the cusp of being fairly professional only to have people praise a guy that keeps 2&4 mediocrely. It's like a meg white arguement.Just because they are in a popular band they get the world of drummers thrown at their feet.This really pisses me off.And don't say that he SERVES the music 'cause there is plenty of space in acdc's songs that a good fill would augment the song...

Not putting fills in all of the empty spaces in their music is the whole point of why he is a great drummer. He understands letting the music flow and not taking away from the groove by playing to busy. Just like Ringo, Charlie Watts, and Larry Mullens Jr.

[ewanlaing]

just got the "stiff upper lip" dvd. very cool to watch him drumming, as he uses those cool black sticks metal drummers use. his drumming on the dvd is just as good, if not even more perfect for the music. and his kit sounds really good as well.

[BURROWS™]

I really like Phil Rudd's drumming. I think his finest work is on Highway to Hell

[Samf]

Bigbang I don't agree with you. There are a lot of drummers out there that only play what the music calls for and you don't get to see their entire range or skill sets. Charlie Watts, Steve Smith and Phill Rudd are just a few. Phill keeps solid time and does not over play he fits in. Steve Smith in the Journey days played what the music required and so does Charlie Watts.

Watched a music video of the Stones and AC/DC (well Angus and Malcom) playing some R&B together. Well you could tell the dif in Charlie right away. He has an interest in Jazz so I have read and it showed. He was letting it "Swing" and sounded great. He was smiling ear to ear which you never see with the typical Stones songs....

Big Fills, Smoke, Fire, and acid rain are great but there is something about a drummer who lays down a solid groove that is crisp and clean (ie Rick Latham, or Purdie) that is the mark of a real pro IMHO....

[JT1]

Yes Phil is a fantastic drummer just because he doesn't overplay what some people love to see in songs today. It is wrong to say that he is bad because he isn't! For instance ok it may not be the flashiest drum beat in the world but i think the intro to High Voltage kicks ass! He also has very good stamina as he can keep 'Whole lotta Rosie' and 'Let there be Rock' goin constantly on the hi-hats at that speed for that long, which i find quite difficult. Chris Slade was also a good example of a solid drummer who could lay down a groove! Listen to Fire Your guns on Live in Donnington man this guy has stamina!

[rockbeat]

I've always said that Rudd's drumming was (at least almost) as important to the overall AC/DC sound as Angus and Malcolm's guitar work. Sure they went through that period without him okay, but for me it just wasn't the real AC/DC until Phil rejoined.

[mlaugh]

Yeah AC/DC is one of my favorite groups...............He lays the line for the beat. Phil is the best I have ever heard for keepin a solid foundation for music. Wow if I could just have the Sonar custom drumset he has........................

mlaugh

[DWfan20005]

Not a idol status drummer but still able to keep a beat and he does define the word solid.

[Pearl Player]

LOL this is funny.. On another forum I am on there was a thread there about back in black. So today I pulled out all my AC DC cds and played to em all..

Yep Excellent Drummer...

Mike

[nebula821]

Well, in the wonderfully subjective world of music, I get to not like this guy's playing. I like a little dynamics in music and this guy makes a living off this basic rock beat that anyone can play. He should be good at it, it's all he does. No thanks. Very overrated band IMO.

[latzanimal]

To bad he was gone from AC/DC for so long. He is back now but for the longest time it was Chris Slade and someone else I can't remember. The Razors edge was recorded using Chris Slade. Not that he wasn't a good drummer, but he was no Phil Rudd. I doubt rudd has ever used a splash in his life.

Simon Wright is someone else you can't remember. He also played with DIO for a short. Chris Slade is no Phil Rudd, sure, but his resume is equally if not more impressive (the Firm, Manfred Mann just to mention a couple).....

Back to Phil........

[mikei]

Phil is the man!

My teacher wanted to teach me "Rock and Roll aint Noise Pollution" and I was hesitant. I thought it would be very boring.

He told me to play it just as it is. As close to note for note as possible.

He explained that it is a difficult song to play because of the tempo. The tempo is in the middle of fast and slow, and therefore the groove is hard to feel.

It is an easy song technically to play, but to keep a solid, simple groove locked in with so much space is a bit of a chore. Phil makes it sound so good.

ACDC rocks with the most basic of guitar, bass and drum parts yet sounds so great.

[graham rogers]

yeah, phil is super.. one of the best.
when i was a kid, i used to stare at the back cover of the "if you want blood album" for hours. i love his hi hat sound.
he is probably the reason i use sonor drums today!
the footage of him at a "rock goes to college" gig in 1978 is superb.

[Muckster]

yeah, phil is super.. one of the best.
when i was a kid, i used to stare at the back cover of the "if you want blood album" for hours. i love his hi hat sound.
he is probably the reason i use sonor drums today!
the footage of him at a "rock goes to college" gig in 1978 is superb.

Yeah, that drum set shot was bad ass.

[graham rogers]

you could almost smell the venue!

[ZildjianMan1023]

why does he always start most of his songs off with clicking the hi hat?

[fourstringdrums]

That's just how he chose to start off the song.

Hopefully this doesn't turn into a:

- Why does he play the same beat every song?

- Why does he almost never play fills in every song?

- Why when he does play a fill is it always the same in every song?

thread.

[caprisun3484]

hopefully this does turn into a...

why is angus young one of the sweetest guitarist ever?

how exactly did AC/DC stay popular for so long?

Bon Scott?


...thread


he probably does that to create even more of that Rock N' Roll vibe

[ZildjianMan1023]

That's just how he chose to start off the song.

Hopefully this doesn't turn into a:

- Why does he play the same beat every song?

- Why does he almost never play fills in every song?

- Why when he does play a fill is it always the same in every song?

thread.

nah nah, i was just wondering because i just started to notice he does this alot

[harryconway]

Phil Rudd or Chris Slade?

[ZildjianMan1023]

Rudd

20 20 20 20 20 20

[fourstringdrums]

Rudd

20 20 20 20 20 20

Just because the drummer generally counts off the song and he likes to do so using the hi-hat. I think it sounds better on tape than hearing sticks clicking off.

[ZildjianMan1023]

Just because the drummer generally counts off the song and he likes to do so using the hi-hat. I think it sounds better on tape than hearing sticks clicking off.

you have a point there. rob is it? idk everyone knows everyones name i feel left out.. no not really jk. but yes stick clicking is a bit old fashioend eh?

[fourstringdrums]

you have a point there. rob is it? idk everyone knows everyones name i feel left out.. no not really jk. but yes stick clicking is a bit old fashioend eh?

Yes it's Rob. Don't feel bad, I don't know half of the people's names on here. People know me, but I only know a handful.

I don't know if it's old fashioned, but it's just personal preference, as is counting off the song on tape at all.

[ZildjianMan1023]

Yes it's Rob. Don't feel bad, I don't know half of the people's names on here. People know me, but I only know a handful.

I don't know if it's old fashioned, but it's just personal preference, as is counting off the song on tape at all.

yeah it is.. most of the songs in my band i dont come in till about three or four measures after the song starts

[ZildjianMan1023]

yeah it is.. most of the songs in my band i dont come in till about three or four measures after the song starts

names Dom by the way.. thought it should be known

[figure_02]

I have always wondered on big shows, how they know when to starts (assuming they all come in at the same time). Say Dream Theater for example, none is actually counting-off, and I know they dont use a click....

[prla]

I have always wondered on big shows, how they know when to starts (assuming they all come in at the same time). Say Dream Theater for example, none is actually counting-off, and I know they dont use a click....

Mike Portnoy uses what he calls the "secret cowbell", an electronic pad positioned within reach on his kit, which is only connected to everyone's in ear monitors and which he uses to count the song in.

[drumbuddy105133]

just thought I'd like to clear this up, but acdc has had 8 different drummers/changes, not two

73-74: Colin Burgess
74: Noel Taylor, Peter Clack, Tony Currenti, and finally Phil Rudd
74-83: Phil Rudd
83-89: Simon Wright
89-94: Chris Slade
94-present: Phil Rudd again

by the way, I knew that acdc has had more than two drummers and knew some of their names, but looked all this up on wikipedia

[ZildjianMan1023]

just thought I'd like to clear this up, but acdc has had 8 different drummers/changes, not two

73-74: Colin Burgess
74: Noel Taylor, Peter Clack, Tony Currenti, and finally Phil Rudd
74-83: Phil Rudd
83-89: Simon Wright
89-94: Chris Slade
94-present: Phil Rudd again

by the way, I knew that acdc has had more than two drummers and knew some of their names, but looked all this up on wikipedia


wikipedia can be un realiable sometimes

[fourstringdrums]

wikipedia can be un realiable sometimes

True, considering anyone can edit it. But that list seems right to me. I know the Chris Slade and Phil Rudd weren't the only drummers, I just didn't know the names. Those two are the most famous associated with AC/DC so they come up more often.

[kned]

just thought I'd like to clear this up, but acdc has had 8 different drummers/changes, not two

73-74: Colin Burgess
74: Noel Taylor, Peter Clack, Tony Currenti, and finally Phil Rudd
74-83: Phil Rudd
83-89: Simon Wright
89-94: Chris Slade
94-present: Phil Rudd again

by the way, I knew that acdc has had more than two drummers and knew some of their names, but looked all this up on wikipedia

You forgot Bon Scott, as he origonally started out in the band as a rodie and then he graduated to playing drums (even thought it was only for one gig).

[Paul Quin]

A good strong count is vital - the source of the count (hats/sticks/verbal) doesn't matter as long as everyone can hear it clearly. IN larger venues - with larger stages, a hi-hat count is the most audible.

On the AC/DC front don't let Phil Rudd's and Chris Slade's better name recognition detract from Simon Wright's playing. He really is a great drummer and, although we lost touch a long time ago (for reasons which I can put down to youthful idiocy on my part and only make me look bad), a great guy.

Paul

[ledzepjb]

why does he always start most of his songs off with clicking the hi hat?

Because he never learnt how to not start a song like that...

[ledzepjb]

I have always wondered on big shows, how they know when to starts (assuming they all come in at the same time). Say Dream Theater for example, none is actually counting-off, and I know they dont use a click....

Theyve rehearsed so many times and they know each other so well that they usually dont need to count anything off, a simple stare or bodymovement can indecate to the band memebers when to start.

[drum.lad]

yeah its just the way he count s off a song i guess it is kinda weird the way a lot of them start off with it

[beer bong]

Hey gents,

Been on the outskirts for ages, but now I'm in, so hello and howdy.

This thread just reminded me that I actually have a cowbell from one of AC/DC's shows, sitting in my cupboard. I think I'll rekindle it, although last I saw there were spiders inside it......

[bighaibigdrums]

Theyve rehearsed so many times and they know each other so well that they usually dont need to count anything off, a simple stare or bodymovement can indecate to the band memebers when to start.

And ACDC whos been around for 30 years doesnt know their songs?

The hats are just part of the older bluesy sound ACDC has. And they dont do it on all thier songs. Just a couple, and when you have 17 albums worht of material thats not that many.

[Thomasallport]

i had a few drum lessons with an ex AcDc drummer (there first one)

[Deathmetalconga]

why does he always start most of his songs off with clicking the hi hat?

Perhaps he is trying to remember how to count to four.

[Tomage]

Just to count in. A substitution to stick clicks I supose.

[NUTHA JASON]

it also creates anticipipation in the audience. if you've ever been toan ac/dcconcert you will know what i mean.

new forum rule: don't bash phil rudd.

he's great.

j

[bonzolead]

Phil Rudd is a solid drummer for sure and nothing to take away from his style I just wished he do a fill once in a while(since his first name is Phil LOL).I appreciate his drumming now that i'm more mature but when I was a kid his drumming sounded boring that's why it took me so long to like AC/DC I understand it now but back then I was bored.after I played in a few country and blues bands I understood the "less is more" thing.what's Phil doing now days now that Chris Slade(Manford-Mann,the Firm) is jammin' with them?I think he is a great drummer though.

Keep swatting,
Bonzolead

[Deathmetalconga]

Whenever my band is having a problem working something out, I go to a Phil Rudd Beat. That makes everything clearer.

Sometimes, less isn't more - less is less. That's exactly what's needed for AC/DC.

[Ian Williams]

Fellow drummers,

Just a comment to share.
When I was 14 years old, I started to follow and play on drums Phil Rudd's beat/pace on "High Voltage" album. He is solid as a rock and time-keeper as well, the backbone for AC/DC. Most of the time, simplicity is the key to all success.

Cordially,

[mikei]

Even his simplicity "oozes" groove.

Man, when he plays back in black, you just start moving!!! Simple beat, but he plays it Just Right!!!

[Tom Sawyer]

AC/DC got me into rock music, and I'll always be a big fan. I really appreciate Phill's drumming a lot. So ...steady.

[kwolf68]

Well, in the wonderfully subjective world of music, I get to not like this guy's playing. I like a little dynamics in music and this guy makes a living off this basic rock beat that anyone can play. He should be good at it, it's all he does. No thanks. Very overrated band IMO.

I hate to bash drummers, but I do agree with this.

But keep in mind, AC/DC fans are also the ones who will claim Angus Young is the greatest guitar player in the world. I love ACDC fans, because they are passionate about their band, and sometimes reality is seen through "AC/DC glasses."

[Tom Sawyer]

But keep in mind, ACDC fans are also the ones who will claim Angus Young is the greatest guitar player in the world. I love ACDC fans, because they are passionate about their band, but they aren't realistic about reality sometimes either.


I'm the biggest AC/DC fan you'll ever meet, and I know very well that all their songs are about the same stuff, and that Angus' solos are all based on the same few licks and that Phil plays the same beat on every song and that Cliff's basslines are straight 16ths most of the time, and you know what? I still love them.

And while I love AC/DC and similar bands, I'm also the kind of guy that listens and appreciates a lot of highly technical and progressive music. As weird as it may seem, I manage to like several styles of playing.
But AC/DC, they are freaking rock 'n' roll, it needs a straight beat and an even bassline, that's just how it goes! Try sticking a lot of ghost notes on the snare and intricate hi-hat patterns in there, and it will suck, period. The way rock like AC/DC is played is the way Phil does it, and he's damn good at it.

Anyway, proof that not anyone that knows how to play a 4/4 beat can play AC/DC the right way is Chris Slade, who while being a great drummer, dind't seem to cut it the same way as Phil. Go figure.

[Ian Williams]

Hello, All.

For those who doubt:
I suggest to play on drums songs like Night Prowler, Ride On, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, The Jack, Let There Be Rock, Hells Bells, For those about to Rock...We salute you. Then make further comments regarding Phil Rudd's drumming.

All the Best,

[bongodoggie]

Want to say how much I appreciate Phil Rudd now that AC/DC is back on tour.

He is known as the man with the steady thump, but if you listen to songs like 'Back in Black' you know he does more than a solid 2/4. He really works the song and digs deep.

Was disappointed Rollingstone left him off the Nov. '08 cover, he must of missed the photo shoot.

Anyway, cheers to Phil Rudd the man with the steady thump!

[Baddstuff]

Rolling Stone? Yeah, I keep a copy around in case I run out of toilet paper or my neighbor needs to pick up the dog's poop.

[Ian Williams]

Phil is a good time-keeper and groover, I invite you to play Night Prowler from Highway to Hell album or keep the time on Let There Be Rock...good exercise!

All the Best,

[Crusto 62]

Phil Rudd is a legend. He is the perfect drummer for AC/DC. Phil is solid as a rock and is the ultimate ' play for the song drummer '.

I read an interview with Thomas Lang and he was asked what album he wished he had played on and he said 'Back in Black'.

Phil Rudd has influenced a lot of drummers, in the same way that Ringo did to an earlier generation.

[bongodoggie]

Rolling Stone? Yeah, I keep a copy around in case I run out of toilet paper or my neighbor needs to pick up the dog's poop.

Now that's funny ... what they do, leave you off the cover?

I've got a lifetime supply of toilet paper, my subscription is a life sentence.

In the article on AC/DC this month they say when they toured with Aerosmith the crew had a name for Angus' nightly flip-outs, when he fell on his back and pumped his legs in the air: "bacon frying".

That issue has an nteresting article on the Mexican drug war too, there has been a lot trouble recently down South.

[Baddstuff]

let's just say I am no fan of RS and they are as irrelevant to me as irrelevant can be.

As for Phil Rudd his playing with AC/DC should be a lesson that one not need to showcase stupendous chops to get the job done in a very admirable way. He fit that band like a glove and his playing for the song is something to be admired. Drummers like Phil sometimes get overlooked or are under appreciated because they don't blow you away with stupendous Chambers-like chops. For whatever it's worth Mr. Rudd has my respect and I appreciate his contributions to AC/DC and drumming.

[bongodoggie]

let's just say I am no fan of RS and they are as irrelevant to me as irrelevant can be.

As for Phil Rudd his playing with AC/DC should be a lesson that one not need to showcase stupendous chops to get the job done in a very admirable way. He fit that band like a glove and his playing for the song is something to be admired. Drummers like Phil sometimes get overlooked or are under appreciated because they don't blow you away with stupendous Chambers-like chops. For whatever it's worth Mr. Rudd has my respect and I appreciate his contributions to AC/DC and drumming.

You know I'm with you on some of that, RS is irrelevant and irreverent and they tick me off too. They bashed Zepplin when they first came out and AC/DC too, and their music reviewers are always touting some hot new act that I could care the less for. And don't even get me started on their politics......

BUT, RS does keep up on some of the latest movers and shakers, has good gossip and photos, and keeps track of the Top 100. And I doubt any drummer in the world wouldn't be thrilled if they saw their puss on a Rolling Stone cover.

[Vipercussionist]

Man, there's a lot of differing opinions on Phil Rudd here.

I got one too.
______________________________

There's a whole lot of drummers that say Phil's shtick is easy, well, I've yet to see a drummer have his groove. There are FUNK drummers who wish they had pants with pockets that deep. No one just PLAYS like that!! That's something you can't teach or learn, it's what Phil Rudd IS!!
They should take a lesson from Phil.

I've yet to see a band, even a TRIBUTE band, play Phil's parts like Phil does, they ALWAYS rush the song as compared to Phil.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

His internal clock ain't syncin' with NOBODY, everybody should use Phil as the pinnacle to which all drummers should aspire. But drummers who say it's "too simple" will INVARIABLY mess it up by putting their own needs ahead of the song by adding rolls, crashes and other "augmentations" that just don't belong. Even "replacement" drummers IN the band didn't do it right.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

I've heard FAR too many drummers (amateur AND pro) that are so tied up with chops or fills or whatever makes THEM feel good, that they forgot to make the TUNE feel good.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

If you don't hear what Phil Rudd brings to the drumming table, you seriously aren't listening properly.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

I personally have taken gigs away from WAY more proficient drummers with SCADS more technical ability and chops than me, but "If you play the SONG, you can't go wrong!"
. . .I took a lesson from Phil.
.
.
.

__________________
Most respect the badge, but all fear the drum.

[metal overlord]

Going to see Phil & the band tonight!!

=D =D

[metal overlord]

Man, there's a lot of differing opinions on Phil Rudd here.

I got one too.
______________________________

There's a whole lot of drummers that say Phil's shtick is easy, well, I've yet to see a drummer have his groove. There are FUNK drummers who wish they had pants with pockets that deep. No one just PLAYS like that!! That's something you can't teach or learn, it's what Phil Rudd IS!!
They should take a lesson from Phil.

I've yet to see a band, even a TRIBUTE band, play Phil's parts like Phil does, they ALWAYS rush the song as compared to Phil.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

His internal clock ain't syncin' with NOBODY, everybody should use Phil as the pinnacle to which all drummers should aspire. But drummers who say it's "too simple" will INVARIABLY mess it up by putting their own needs ahead of the song by adding rolls, crashes and other "augmentations" that just don't belong. Even "replacement" drummers IN the band didn't do it right.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

I've heard FAR too many drummers (amateur AND pro) that are so tied up with chops or fills or whatever makes THEM feel good, that they forgot to make the TUNE feel good.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

If you don't hear what Phil Rudd brings to the drumming table, you seriously aren't listening properly.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

I personally have taken gigs away from WAY more proficient drummers with SCADS more technical ability and chops than me, but "If you play the SONG, you can't go wrong!"
. . .I took a lesson from Phil.
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__________________
Most respect the badge, but all fear the drum.


Hell yeah brother, Phil may seem all easy & repetivive but he is a great drummer. Subtle, but great.

[LeeLovesSabian]

Phil Rudd has good rythm and groove and all, but he lacks complexity.
I know the beat is the most important, but I wish he would solo out, or use difficult fills so that we really see his abilities.
He's good, but not one of the best.

[Ian Williams]

Hello,

Phil Rudd does the job and he does it well done for AC/DC, reasons why he is back on drums. It is a pity to say but Simon Wright and Chris Slade did not last that much with the band!!! Phil has the catchy feeling and groove.

[Leadfoot]

Man, there's a lot of differing opinions on Phil Rudd here.

I got one too.
______________________________

There's a whole lot of drummers that say Phil's shtick is easy, well, I've yet to see a drummer have his groove. There are FUNK drummers who wish they had pants with pockets that deep. No one just PLAYS like that!! That's something you can't teach or learn, it's what Phil Rudd IS!!
They should take a lesson from Phil.

I've yet to see a band, even a TRIBUTE band, play Phil's parts like Phil does, they ALWAYS rush the song as compared to Phil.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

His internal clock ain't syncin' with NOBODY, everybody should use Phil as the pinnacle to which all drummers should aspire. But drummers who say it's "too simple" will INVARIABLY mess it up by putting their own needs ahead of the song by adding rolls, crashes and other "augmentations" that just don't belong. Even "replacement" drummers IN the band didn't do it right.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

I've heard FAR too many drummers (amateur AND pro) that are so tied up with chops or fills or whatever makes THEM feel good, that they forgot to make the TUNE feel good.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

If you don't hear what Phil Rudd brings to the drumming table, you seriously aren't listening properly.
. . .They should take a lesson from Phil.

I personally have taken gigs away from WAY more proficient drummers with SCADS more technical ability and chops than me, but "If you play the SONG, you can't go wrong!"
. . .I took a lesson from Phil.
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.
.

__________________
Most respect the badge, but all fear the drum.

Exactly right!
You should take a lesson from Vipercussionist.

[Vipercussionist]

Here's a cool article/interview I had in my bookmarks. I had forgotten I had it so it was cool to read again. It's from BEFORE he rejoined ACDC so it's a pretty unique perspective.

ENJOY!!
http://www.acdcstars.de/storys_philinterview.htm
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__________________
Most respect the badge, but all fear the drum.

[Ian Williams]

Mr. Rudd on drums, enjoy the pictures.

All the Best,

[mikei]

I personally have taken gigs away from WAY more proficient drummers with SCADS more technical ability and chops than me, but "If you play the SONG, you can't go wrong!"
. . .I took a lesson from Phil.
.
.
.

__________________
Most respect the badge, but all fear the drum.
Haven't taken a ton of gigs, but landed 2 from players that had way more technical ability than me.

It is all about the groove from all the other band mates' perspectives!!!!

Great post

[LeeLovesSabian]

Once again: great groove, but terrible stage presence!

[junglelord]

I was looking at Phil Rudds set up again.

He uses a very forward hi hat position. This it the best advantage for the right. It allows right hand playing on the hats without crossing the hands or arms.
Check out Phils set up and physical approach.
I find that unless I have three toms up front, then I need to go for the forward hi hat position as it offers to me a better ergonomics and ability to hold a AC/DC type pocket.

Take a good look at his hi-hat placement.
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/8218/november08rudd3am6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I noticed this on the SARS video. His hands never cross.
This makes a better pocket IMHO.
For me it does.
I love it.
Open hands, open mind.


Phil has perfect stage presence.

[Guz2]

At first I didn't like Phil's playing. I thought it was boring and uncreative. Now I've realised that if he'd done a billion pataflaflas and fancy fills in every song it would have totally ruined the band's sound. Keep rocking, Phil! :)

[SteelersFreak1]

Phil is much like Ringo Starr or Charlie Watts in that he plays exactly what his band needs for them to sound good, nothing more, nothing less.

[DamoSyzygy]

Say Dream Theater for example, none is actually counting-off, and I know they dont use a click....
Dream Theater do use a click...

[Naigewron]

Dream Theater do use a click...

In the studio: yes (everyone does, these days)
Live: no

[Pachikara-Tharakan]

Phil is much like Ringo Starr or Charlie Watts in that he plays exactly what his band needs for them to sound good, nothing more, nothing less.
same opinion here.No matter who the drummer for AC/DC is, they all plays the same, time keeping....very easy to play along for me. I just dont understand when people say his strokes are "deep' in the pocket. I think that drum sound is because of the drum technician's extremely delicate effort of tuning and the sound engineers work.

The difference between Chris Slade and Phil Rudd is Chris shows some face expressions while keeping time, Phil doesnt.

If Phil ever plays on my starter kit with those starter Planet Z "Klanky" cymbals, he would be playing like a pro but the sound would be so bad!!

I am a fan of Time keeping drummers.

[elliotdrummer7227]

i like him because he plays really solid, not too much and to less! just perfect!
=D
what sonor kit does he play?

[DamoSyzygy]

In the studio: yes (everyone does, these days)
Live: no
In fact, Im fairly certain they do, or at the very least, Mike does on some of their stuff.

http://www.damienpetrilli.com/misc/mx7.jpg
This is a shot I took behind Mikes kit. You can just make out a pad under his chimes to the left - Which, if memory serves me correctly, acts as a tap-tempo device for his in-ears.

Of course, he may not use it for all the songs.

Also if you watch any of their later live DVDs, you can feel him pulling back in some sections the same way somewone would if they were correcting from coming in to a part too quickly.

[Naigewron]

In fact, Im fairly certain they do, or at the very least, Mike does on some of their stuff.

http://www.damienpetrilli.com/misc/mx7.jpg
This is a shot I took behind Mikes kit. You can just make out a pad under his chimes to the left - Which, if memory serves me correctly, acts as a tap-tempo device for his in-ears.


Your memory does not serve you correctly. That pad triggers a cowbell sound that is only fed to the band members' in-ear monitors, and he uses it to count in songs without the audience hearing it. It does not set the tempo for a click track (with all the odd-time stuff they do, he really couldn't use anything with a simple tap-tempo function anyway, they'd have to use pre-programmed sequences).

[Pachikara-Tharakan]

I think the Solid deep Sound is the result of the Tuning. He is just another time keeper to me.
If he plays on an un tuned snare the sound would be crappy but the time keeping would be awsome.

[ZildjianMan1023]

well, since this is a thread about phil rudd, i might as well comment


one may ask, what makes phil rudd such a unique drummer in his own right?

i personally think, that sometimes simple is better. and rudd never drifts too far from the old 4/4 rock beat.

his fills are simple, his accents predictable... and i think thats what makes phil rudd such a decent drummer

his ability to keep solid time and add accents excactly when needed keeps bands like ac/dc afloat

[SteelersFreak1]

I think I read somewhere that back in the 70's Phil wanted to retune his snare after every song because he hit so hard.

[NUTHA JASON]

cool interview with brian... why phil is the coolest...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gOdUmVy3S0

[Guz2]

Just remembered, he uses a ride in Ride On

[Ian Williams]

...and a ride cymbal on, Ain't No Fun (Waiting Round To Be A Millionaire), The Jack (take from High Voltage).

[brotherbaker]

Just spotted this on Paiste's site:

http://www.paiste.com/e/endorser_det.php?page=setup&endorserid=1642

Do you think this is a mis-print or does he really use 3 of the same 20" crash & 4 of the same 19" crash...? Any thoughts on the wisdom behind this?

[kgrubb]

Not sure why phil would have 7 crashes because when i saw ac/dc back in november he only really used 4 of them. As for the sizes i don't know maybe he just really likes the 19 and 20.

[Anthony B]

That's a nice kit, but it's a bit much for ac/dc. Mind you, he's always used big kits:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/phil%20rudd/SatrianiFreak99/philruddrhythm3.jpg

I personally think all those cymbals is just overkill, I mean when i play AC/DC I use only two crashes, three at most.

[CASP3Rdrummer]

i don't really understand what is so special about rudd. the only thing he gets props is because he keeps it simple and of course has a very steady and solid beat but explain which professional drummer doesn't keep a steady beat?

[Pollyanna]

I know what you mean, Casp3. Chris Franz of Talking Heads is about the only drummer I can think of who plays such simple rock beats and even Chris shows a lot more variety!

Still, I heard that ACDC had Chris Slade drumming with them for a while and he did some very nice playing with Manfred Mann's Earth Band. A good player. Yet, when Phil Rudd returned the other Accadacca members reckoned it brought something back to the band that was missing.

Maybe his simplicity is what they wanted - no adornment, just the straight beat. Also his energy. Exactly what "fire" and "energy" is is hard to put your finger on. I guess technically it means a particular combination of dynamics and the relation of your playing to the beat.

I guess the proof of the pudding is in the eating. If a band and its fans think the band is kicking a*** with a certain drummer, then the drummer must be doing something right.

[Vipercussionist]

i don't really understand what is so special about rudd. the only thing he gets props is because he keeps it simple and of course has a very steady and solid beat but explain which professional drummer doesn't keep a steady beat?

Name one professional drummer who does it just like THAT!! If you've followed ACDC you know they've used other drummers when Rudd left, it was no where NEAR the same.

What Rudd has you can't quantify, you can't catalog it, or show a friend. He has that magical something that fits in so well with ACDC that NO other drummer will be as good with the band.

There are bands that get new drummers for whatever reason, and it doesn't matter, it might even be an IMPROVEMENT, but technically "better" drummers have done Rudd's gig, and it was NOT as good.

There's no technical reason for it yet it IS so. THAT'S that special something coming through. You can't BUY it, or make someone else "get it" but it exists in Rudd's playing with ACDC.
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[Ian Williams]

I know what you mean, Casp3. Chris Franz of Talking Heads is about the only drummer I can think of who plays such simple rock beats and even Chris shows a lot more variety!

Still, I heard that ACDC had Chris Slade drumming with them for a while and he did some very nice playing with Manfred Mann's Earth Band. A good player. Yet, when Phil Rudd returned the other Accadacca members reckoned it brought something back to the band that was missing.

Maybe his simplicity is what they wanted - no adornment, just the straight beat. Also his energy. Exactly what "fire" and "energy" is is hard to put your finger on. I guess technically it means a particular combination of dynamics and the relation of your playing to the beat.

I guess the proof of the pudding is in the eating. If a band and its fans think the band is kicking a*** with a certain drummer, then the drummer must be doing something right.

I think Phil (Rudd) does the job - and He does it dead right for AC/DC or Accadacca (real Aussie term). Must be the reason, why He is Back In Black Ice...and harder than a rock!

Can't shoot, root or electrocute that guy, He is made for AC/DC.

Did I say it right, Pollyanna?....:-)

[Ian Williams]

Name one professional drummer who does it just like THAT!! If you've followed ACDC you know they've used other drummers when Rudd left, it was no where NEAR the same.

What Rudd has you can't quantify, you can't catalog it, or show a friend. He has that magical something that fits in so well with ACDC that NO other drummer will be as good with the band.

There are bands that get new drummers for whatever reason, and it doesn't matter, it might even be an IMPROVEMENT, but technically "better" drummers have done Rudd's gig, and it was NOT as good.

There's no technical reason for it yet it IS so. THAT'S that special something coming through. You can't BUY it, or make someone else "get it" but it exists in Rudd's playing with ACDC.
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I agree Vipercussionist. It's called "Feel - Soul - Groove". I really enjoy Phil's drumming in Night Prowler - Dirty Dees Done Dirt Cheap - Get It Hot...and so on.

Cheers,

[theindian]

I don't know if you could say his playing is "magical",(as stated in an earlier post) but it does fit the music. AC/DC songs usually only have 3 to 4 chords at most & maybe 2 or 3 sections in a song. Complex drumming would take away from the solid rock feel, which is why more technical players might not fit the sound. He is solid but not "magical."

[Strangelove]

I think he gets more press than deserved because AC/DC is a legendary rock band. Same with Charlie Watts. People who really like AC/DC and the Stones naturally elevate all the musicians in those groups to superhuman status, when in fact they are all average in talent, but write awesome music. Phil and Charlie would likely meet any induction into a great drummers club with raised brows, though. I don't think either one even tries to compete with other drummers in the talent department or even cares to.

[Vipercussionist]

I don't know if you could say his playing is "magical",(as stated in an earlier post) but it does fit the music. AC/DC songs usually only have 3 to 4 chords at most & maybe 2 or 3 sections in a song. Complex drumming would take away from the solid rock feel, which is why more technical players might not fit the sound. He is solid but not "magical." Indy, although I see what you're driving at, how is it those drummers who HAVE been a part of the band in Rudd's absence couldn't fit themselves to the music? Are they all DAFT?? How do they not hear what HAS to be played in the tunes? How is it their groove doesn't have the same feel (even CLOSE) to that of Rudd?
.................................................. .............http://www.allthingschristmas.com/northpole/games/magicelf/elf01.gif
. . . . . . . 'cause it's MAGIC!!

__________________________________

I think he gets more press than deserved because AC/DC is a legendary rock band. Same with Charlie Watts. People who really like AC/DC and the Stones naturally elevate all the musicians in those groups to superhuman status, when in fact they are all average in talent, but write awesome music. Phil and Charlie would likely meet any induction into a great drummers club with raised brows, though. I don't think either one even tries to compete with other drummers in the talent department or even cares to. I really like this Westy, I too don't think they're in any competition. I see them as trying their damnedest to compliment the tune they are playing in the special ways that they are able too. Though I DO see their superhuman status as being warranted. As simple as each of these drummers are, I've yet to see even ONE other drummer pull off something CLOSE in doing a cover of their tunes. No, I'm not knocking the other drummers, there have been some EXCELLENT versions that I've heard, but all lack that "special something" that keeps these (and a few other) "simple" drummers in the forefront of drummers we ALL can learn from.

[Pollyanna]

Are they all DAFT?? How do they not hear what HAS to be played in the tunes?

I can just imagine it. There's this new guy on the stool playing that big frug beat. He starts to doze off when they figure, "Mmm, I could just slip a little sneaky bit in there to catch the rhythm guitar". Meanwhile Phil just keeps going chug-chug-chug and everyone goes ape.

It's funny, but a lot of musos and fans just love for us drummers to get out of the way so when a drummer rolls over and says, "Ok, I'll be your drum machine if that's what you want" then everyone says how great they are LOL

But can I please just have one fill in this number? There's a spot just before the bridge that's screaming for a bit extra to kick the song along. Pretty please??

GET BACK INTO YOUR BOX, DRUMMER!

[Pachikara-Tharakan]

I think he gets more press than deserved because AC/DC is a legendary rock band. Same with Charlie Watts. People who really like AC/DC and the Stones naturally elevate all the musicians in those groups to superhuman status, when in fact they are all average in talent, but write awesome music. Phil and Charlie would likely meet any induction into a great drummers club with raised brows, though. I don't think either one even tries to compete with other drummers in the talent department or even cares to.

my thoughts exactly.

No disrespect to Rudd and Watts, AC/DC and the stones can still move on if they ever decide to quit.

However, when Keith Moon died, the whole band died! (Thats what uniqueness or creativity in drumming means to me)

Time keeping is hard but can be copied by a moderate drummer. All the AC/DC drummers are Time Keepers.

[Pollyanna]

Yes, they can copy those simple lines, but will they? There's the rub ...

Kenny Jones might have been the wrong kind of drummer to replace Keith. One, he's sane and, two, he's more disciplined. The Who and their fans fed off Keith's wild energy. They needed another loony but I'm not sure anyone can do "loony" as well as Keith did it :)

[beastdrummagirl]

Good thing I joined this forum. How can you have a list of drummers with no Phil Rudd.

The guy defines the word 'solid'.

he always reminds me that you can keep it simple and interesting. I think the album Highway to Hell has some of the most tasteful drumming.

Anyone else? Eh?

I agree!!!!!! I love the start of the hihat on highway to hell!! thats really cool how he starts it!! They have Phil Rudd on Drummerworld though, maybe you missed it!!His drumming technique is very plain and has a straight ongoing beat. I like John Bonham better But phil rudd is good too.

[Strangelove]

my thoughts exactly.

No disrespect to Rudd and Watts, AC/DC and the stones can still move on if they ever decide to quit.

However, when Keith Moon died, the whole band died! (Thats what uniqueness or creativity in drumming means to me)

Time keeping is hard but can be copied by a moderate drummer. All the AC/DC drummers are Time Keepers.

Chicago died when Seraphine left, too. I listen to songs like Beginnigs, Dialogue, I'm a Man, etc, and that guy not only has the chops, but his timing is impeccable. We can hardly get a thread going on him, and Rudd already has three pages - Watts probably more. Sometimes I have a hard time understanding our forum.

[beastdrummagirl]

my thoughts exactly.

No disrespect to Rudd and Watts, AC/DC and the stones can still move on if they ever decide to quit.

However, when Keith Moon died, the whole band died! (Thats what uniqueness or creativity in drumming means to me)

Time keeping is hard but can be copied by a moderate drummer. All the AC/DC drummers are Time Keepers.

The same with Led Zepplin. They stopped playing just because Bonham died. Frankly, I think it was a good move because Bonham defined their style. Without him, Zepplin would never had been the same!

[Riot]

you dont need to be elaborate on the drums to be good....

Rudds my main influence. As a drummer, my job is to keep the other band memebers in time, and keeping it simple but catchy like Rudd is excelent.

Besides, Rudd doesnt use click tacks or warm ups which is pretty cool, and thats what i admire. He doesnt stuff around like other drummers.

[BassDriver]

Phil isn't a Mike Portnoy, a Danny Carey, a Stewart Copeland, a George Kollias, or a Sumus Paulicelli but what he can do with that moneybeat is something that frustrates many chop-heavy drummers to the core with it's simple solid yet dynamic and flowing "feel".

Phil spells solid with Das Capital "S", he must like sit down for 8 hours a day (straight) and play that groove to a moneybeat like a machine, no wonder he gets the gigs.

For some reason ACDC sounded best when they had Bon Scott and Phil Rudd, lose them both and they were crap, when they got Phil again they sounded good, I reckon Phil Rudd atleast had a say when it comes to their song production. Listen to the Black Ice album, I've actually notice his drumming has improved over years...

...remember, there are good drummers who are solid and creative and with mind blowing chops but...they just don't play drums for ACDC and usually aren't as solid as Phil if you graphed their timing in relation to a click.

I reckon Phil Rudd is a good drummer, if he had the space in a song to solo and go "Portnoy-esque" he would, but he would leave atleast some space, it would be solid and wouldn't just be a dissonant wall of sound neither would it be poly-rhythymic clockwork piece like Virgil, but hey we all have our own musical tastes, and Phil Rudd isn't aiming to be a star, that just shows his sort of devotion to his art.

[Ian Williams]

Besides his solid and strong time-keeping, Phil has improved a lot on - Black Ice - album, including several fills on the songs.

[Pollyanna]

I think Phil (Rudd) does the job - and He does it dead right for AC/DC or Accadacca (real Aussie term). Must be the reason, why He is Back In Black Ice...and harder than a rock!

Can't shoot, root or electrocute that guy, He is made for AC/DC.

Did I say it right, Pollyanna?....:-)

Yep, that was a solid effort, Ian :)

When I was young I thought you HAD to play all sorts of exciting things and it annoyed me that drummers like Phil could just chug along could be so successful. I put it down to hype. Many tyears later I realise it wasn't hype, it was his great sense of time and groove. Plus his single minded interest in playing the song rather than pleasuring himself.

That's all a drummer needs to be successful. If they can bring something else to the table - dynamics, feel, imagination, originality etc - that's a bonus. Not that you need those things in Accadacca :)

So Phil's playing fills, eh? Hmm, sounds like the lad's getting a bit carried away ...

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

I think Phil (Rudd) does the job - and He does it dead right for AC/DC or Accadacca (real Aussie term). Must be the reason, why He is Back In Black Ice...and harder than a rock!

Can't shoot, root or electrocute that guy, He is made for AC/DC.

Did I say it right, Pollyanna?....:-)


Venezuela.....seriously??

Man, ROFL........I'm in tears. Absolutely brilliant!!!!

[IL DUCE]

Phil Rudd has always been a big influence on me. His "play what the song needs" philosophy has been at the heart of my drumming. I have gotten so many compliments over the years for not "over playing" on songs. I always say as a drummer if you listen to the song IT will tell you what needs to be done. Alot of times it's not what you play but what you don't play that's really important. I find I have to intentionally reign myself in when I do a song ( especially an original) so as not to overpower the tune. This is where Phil shines it seems to come naturally to him. Besides when my band does a AC/DC cover it can be quite challanging to keep "true" to the song. Your just dying to throw some rolls and extra stuff in. atleast I know I do. I absolutely love Phill Rudd.

[justJon]

To understand what Phil Rudd adds to AC/DC it is only necessary to listen to the AC/DC "live" album with Chris Slade drumming. Everything, to my ear, is subtly "wrong."

It sounds like a good AC/DC cover band.

Slade is a competent drummer, but it seems to me he plays most of that album right on top of the beat. Rudd finds that pocket, crawls in and sets up shop.