Also pictured at the event were the band's Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams, further fuelling speculation that Slade was to fill the drum stool vacancy created by Rudd's ongoing legal battles.

Rumors began to circulate earlier this week that the Welsh drummer had been asked to return, and he's now released a statement. "This is an amazing opportunity for me," says Slade. "After all, most people don't ever get to play with their favorite band once, let alone TWICE!