AC/DC has released its first music video for the upcoming Rock or Bust album, and it's nothing too flashy. The group, minus longtime guitarist Malcolm Young and drummer Phil Rudd, performs the lead single "Play Ball" in the video surrounded by barely clothed women playing various sports that involve balls.

The band shot the video in October with director David Mallett, who's worked with the rockers over the past two decades, Blabbermouth reports. "Play Ball" isn't a bad song, but it doesn't stray too far from their last big single, "Rock 'N' Roll Train," from 2008's Black Ice. The video, on the other hand, might as well be an advertisement for the Legends Football League. I can say with all certainty that when the band came up with the song, they didn't have soccer and baseball in mind. Then again, AC/DC has never been coy with its messages in the past.

Young is not featured in the video because, as the band announced earlier this year, he is suffering from dementia. His nephew, Stevie Young, worked on Rock or Bust and has taken over full time for his uncle.

Rudd reportedly sat out of the video shoots on Oct. 3 and 4 because of a family emergency. The drummer was arrested earlier this month for allegedly procuring the services of a hit man, but those charges were dropped shortly thereafter. He still faces charges of threatening to kill and possession of meth and marijuana. Rudd is due back in court at the end of the month.

AC/DC responded to the drummer's legal woes after the news surfaced, writing, "We've only become aware of Phil's arrest as the news was breaking. We have no further comment. Phil's absence will not affect the release of our new album Rock or Bust and upcoming tour next year."

The album is due out Dec. 2.

Join the Discussion