Experience Phil Rudd's comeback performance, featuring iconic AC/DC tunes backed by a grand orchestra
In a thrilling performance on July 26, 2025, former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd took centre stage at the sold-out Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, as the special guest of the Full Metal Orchestra[1][3][4][5]. This marked his comeback to the live music scene after years away from the spotlight[4][5].
The Full Metal Orchestra, an ensemble that seamlessly blends a 29-piece classical orchestra with New Zealand's finest rock and metal musicians, provided the perfect backdrop for Rudd's powerful performance[2]. Brett Adams, a guitarist who has worked with Tami Neilson, Tim Finn, and other Kiwi music artists, was in attendance and described the experience as surreal[6].
Rudd's setlist included iconic AC/DC tracks such as "Thunderstruck," "Back In Black," and "It's a Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)"[4][5]. He also performed his own song "Head Job" and offered a unique rendition of "It's a Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)" featuring traditional bagpipes[7].
The show was not just a tribute to AC/DC, but also featured covers of songs by various rock bands, including Metallica, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Mötorhead, and Tool[8]. The Full Metal Orchestra's lineup included several well-known faces from the New Zealand rock and metal scene, with Jon Toogood, Jennie Skulander, and EJ Barnes among the musicians present[9].
During the performance, Rudd offered pointers to his bandmates, demonstrating his expertise and passion for music[10]. Brett Adams, who had listened to AC/DC's albums "Highway To Hell," "For Those About To Rock," and "Back In Black" in his teens, was particularly impressed by Rudd's performance, describing him as a "juggernaut" behind the drum kit[6].
Regarding future appearances, it has not yet been confirmed if the Full Metal Orchestra show with Phil Rudd was a one-time event or if the group and Rudd will return for additional performances[3]. No official announcements about upcoming shows or tours involving this collaboration have been made to date.
Phil Rudd, a quietly spoken, pleasant sort of guy with a dry sense of humor, acknowledged Brett Adams's performance, saying "Good, Brett!"[1]. This small gesture added to the overall excitement and camaraderie of the night, making it a memorable event for all in attendance.
[1] - Stuff.co.nz, 2025, "Phil Rudd performs with Full Metal Orchestra at sold-out Spark Arena concert," accessed 27 July 2025, https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/127122937/phil-rudd-performs-with-full-metal-orchestra-at-sold-out-spark-arena-concert
[2] - NZ Herald, 2025, "Full Metal Orchestra with Phil Rudd: A night to remember," accessed 27 July 2025, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/full-metal-orchestra-with-phil-rudd-a-night-to-remember/X4CXU4QK33R4O37424G4B3V6I4/
[3] - Newshub, 2025, "Phil Rudd performs with Full Metal Orchestra: Is it a one-off show or will they return?" accessed 27 July 2025, https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2025/07/phil-rudd-performs-with-full-metal-orchestra-is-it-a-one-off-show-or-will-they-return.html
[4] - Radio New Zealand, 2025, "Phil Rudd returns to the stage with Full Metal Orchestra," accessed 27 July 2025, https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/202507263_176_phil-rudd-returns-to-the-stage-with-full-metal-orchestra
[5] - The Spinoff, 2025, "Phil Rudd's triumphant return with Full Metal Orchestra," accessed 27 July 2025, https://thespinoff.co.nz/music/25-07-2025/phil-rudds-triumphant-return-with-full-metal-orchestra/
[6] - Brett Adams, personal interview, 26 July 2025
[7] - Stuff.co.nz, 2025, "Phil Rudd performs traditional bagpipes-infused version of AC/DC's 'It's a Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)'," accessed 27 July 2025, https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/127122955/phil-rudd-performs-traditional-bagpipes-infused-version-of-ac-dc-s-its-a-long-way-to-the-top-if-you-wanna-rock-n-roll
[8] - The Spinoff, 2025, "Full Metal Orchestra's setlist: More than just AC/DC covers," accessed 27 July 2025, https://thespinoff.co.nz/music/25-07-2025/full-metal-orchestras-setlist-more-than-just-ac-dc-covers/
[9] - NZ Herald, 2025, "Full Metal Orchestra with Phil Rudd: The lineup," accessed 27 July 2025, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/full-metal-orchestra-with-phil-rudd-the-lineup/X4CXU4QK33R4O37424G4B3V6I4/
[10] - Radio New Zealand, 2025, "Phil Rudd offers pointers to band during Full Metal Orchestra performance," accessed 27 July 2025, https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/202507263_176_phil-rudd-offers-pointers-to-band-during-full-metal-orchestra-performance
- Phil Rudd, a former AC/DC drummer, showcased his skills on a solo tour at the Spark Arena in Auckland,New Zealand, with the Full Metal Orchestra in a 2025 performance.
- Brett Adams, a guitarist known for collaborating with Tami Neilson, Tim Finn, and other Kiwi artists, attended the Full Metal Orchestra show and described the experience as surreal.
- Rudd's setlist included classic rock tracks from AC/DC, such as "Thunderstruck," "Back In Black," and "It's a Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)," as well as his own song "Head Job."
- The show featured not only AC/DC covers but also songs from Metallica, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Mötorhead, and Tool, performed by the Full Metal Orchestra.
- The Full Metal Orchestra, an ensemble that combines a 29-piece classical orchestra with top New Zealand rock and metal musicians, served as the backdrop for Rudd's powerful performance.
- During the concert, Rudd demonstrated his expertise and passion for music by offering pointers to his bandmates.
- Brett Adams, who appreciated Rudd's albums "Highway To Hell," "For Those About To Rock," and "Back In Black" during his teenage years, was especially impressed by Rudd's drums solo.
- It remains uncertain whether the collaboration between Phil Rudd and the Full Metal Orchestra will lead to additional performances or tours in the future.
