The Worst Period Of AC/DC’s Phil Rudd’s Life: Drug Conviction, Attempted Murder And A Heart Attack

We have all heard of rockstars going through difficult stages during their life due to alcohol and drug abuse. There have been many musicians who have managed to heal, and others have passed away tragically. Substance abuse also leads people to commit crimes, and it’s safe to say that the AC/DC drummer, Phil Rudd, went through a lot in only one year.

Rudd joined AC/DC in 1977 and contributed to AC/DC’s eternal success even though he was on and off in the band a few times in 44 years. The drummer left in 1980 after then vocalist Bon Scott died in 1980. His death was painful for Rudd, and he started clashing with Malcolm Young, the band’s rhythm guitarist, which allegedly led to a physical fight.

He rejoined the band in 1993 after he was asked to join a jam session. However, he was forced to leave the band in 2015 as he was on house arrest after committing several crimes.

What Happened To Phil Rudd In A Year?

The drummer made a phone call to someone and demanded they kill someone from his fired staff. He offered almost $200,000 for the job along with a motorbike, a car, and a house. Thus, he was charged with the first-hand threat to a person who was scared for their safety. Rudd was also arrested after the police found cannabis and methamphetamine on him. He pled guilty to all charges and received only eight months of house arrest.

However, this was not the only big thing in his life during 2015 and 2016. The drummer had a sudden heart attack while he was walking around in his house. He didn’t collapse, but he was taken to the hospital by his housekeeper. He spoke about this experience to New Zealand Herald and stated that he was feeling healthy.

Here is what he stated back in 2016:

“I was just at home walking around at home, and I started to feel, well, just funny. Do you know how you can feel funny? I had a strange pain in my chest. So my housekeeper took me to the hospital, when they hooked me up and did all these tests turned out I had a big heart attack.

My artery was all blocked up, and they said I had to stay in and have an operation. I sneaked out to the shop to get some cigarettes, then I realized I had no car, so I walked home to get the Ferrari, and drove back to the hospital.

It’s Weird because they shave your man parts, but they put it in your arm. All I have is a tiny scar on my wrist. And my hair has grown back too so, I am all good, I am healthy and got so much color in my cheeks.”

AC/DC didn’t comment on his situation, especially the arrest, but the band welcomed him back in the new lineup in September 2020. AC/DC shared a post on Instagram and excited their fans with the most loved AC/DC lineup,  consisting of Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams, Phil Rudd, and Stevie Young.