An Ashford resident and former AC/DC drummer has swapped his tribute band for the real thing after being drafted back in to perform at the Grammys.

Chris Slade, who lives in the town centre, joined the rock legends on stage for their performance in Los Angeles earlier this week.

In what was the band’s first live performance in four years, the Australian hard rockers opened with the title track of their new album, Rock and Bust before blowing the crowd away with the hit Highway to Hell.

Slade, 68, who played with the band for a stretch in the 1990s but has recently been playing in an AC/DC tribute band, has rejoined the legendary line-up while former drummer Phil Rudd faces legal charges.

In November, Rudd was charged with threatening to kill, possession of drugs and trying to hire a hitman.

The latter charge was dropped due to lack of evidence but he will stand trial for the other offences in New Zealand in April.

He has stated that he wants his job back but in the meantime, Slade will be on the drumming stool for the bands upcoming Rock or Bust tour.

In a statement released on Facebook, Slade said: “This is an amazing opportunity for me, after all most people don’t ever get to play with their favourite band once, let alone twice!

“I would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support I have been shown personally, on the Facebook page and other social media, not one comment has gone unread and it has been very humbling, thanks so much.

“We apologise for the secrecy, please understand this was for all the right reasons.”

Slade played on the band’s 1990s album The Razor’s Edge, which contained the hit track Thunderstruck.

Recently, he has played more modest gigs, headlining the Ashford Rugby Club beer festival last summer.

He even hosted a free Christmas party event in December, performing at Platform 5, in Station Road.

But his next performance will be with one of the biggest rock bands of all time at California’s Coachella festival in April.

He will also join the band on their European and North American tours, which are planned for later in the year.