Famous Australian Drummers: John Watson of AC/DC and Others

John Watson is often cited, but Phil Rudd (born in Melbourne, 1954) is the longtime drummer of AC/DC (1975–1983, 1994–2015), playing on Highway to Hell, Back in Black, For Those About to Rock, and later albums. Chris Slade (Welsh) also drummed for AC/DC (1983–1994, 2015–2022).

Other Notable Australian Drummers

• Virgil Donati – virtuoso fusion/prog (Planet X, Steve Vai).
• Tony Floyd – The Angels, Rose Tattoo.
• Pete Drummond – Dragon, session work.
• Dave Larkin – Cold Chisel.
• Will Swan – The Living End.
• Matt Sherrod – Crowded House, session.
• James Haselwood – Tame Impala (touring).

Australia has produced world-class drummers across rock, pop, jazz, and progressive genres.