The first new official AC/DC promotional band photo has been released and can be seen below. Notably absent from the picture is the band's drummer Phil Rudd, who sat out the video shoot for the band's two new singles, "Play Ball" and "Rock Or Bust", on October 3 and October 4 in London, England. He was replaced during the flming by Bob Richards, who had previously played with SHOGUN and IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith. AC/DC singer Brian Johnson reportedly told some of the fans attending the shoot that Rudd was unable to participate in the filming due to an undisclosed "family emergency" although this has not yet been corroborated by an official source.Phil's solo album, "Head Job", was released on August 29 via Universal Music Australia. Rudd joined AC/DC in 1974. He had previously played with Angry Anderson in BUSTER BROWN and left that band to join the COLOURED BALLS with Lobby Loyde.When AC/DC bassist Mark Evans left the band in 1977, Rudd became the only Australian-born member of AC/DC.Rudd exited AC/DC in 1983 and was replaced by Simon Wright, then Chris Slade. When Slade left in 1993, Rudd rejoined the band.AC/DC will release its new album, titled "Rock Or Bust", on December 2. The 11-song collection is the band's first since 2008's "Black Ice" and it includes the song "Play Ball", which is available as an instant download when pre-ordering the album from iTunes."Rock Or Bust" features an inventive three-dimensional lenticular cover, which gives the illusion of the band's iconic logo exploding as the packaging is moved in different directions. AC/DC has made it official that founding guitarist Malcolm Young will not be returning to the group due to ill health. A statement issued by the group's Australian record label said, "Unfortunately due to the nature of Malcolm's illness, he will not be rejoining the band." His replacement is Stevie Young, the nephew of Malcolm and his brother and co-founder Angus Young.Stevie played on the new album, which was recorded in Vancouver, Canada earlier this year. This is the first AC/DC album in the band's 40-year history on which Malcolm Young will not appear.AC/DC will embark on a world tour to both promote "Rock Or Bust" and celebrate the band's 40th anniversary, although details are yet to be confirmed.Despite the loss of Malcolm, Rudd said that "everything's great in the band, we're ready to fire up on all cylinders again."AC/DC 2014 promotional band photo:
"Play Ball" audio stream:
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