Original AC/DC Singer Dave Evans Reforms Rabbit for 50th Anniversary and New Album
via Don Kerry / YouTube
Original AC/DC frontman Dave Evans is marking a milestone that few rockers reach — the 50th anniversary of his band Rabbit. To celebrate, Evans is reuniting with his former bandmates to release a brand-new album titled Defenders of Rock, set to drop worldwide on October 31 via Savant Guarde Records. The record promises to bring back the raw, unfiltered energy that made Rabbit one of Australia’s most exciting live acts in the 1970s.
Defenders of Rock captures the essence of old-school pub rock while injecting a modern fire into every track. Driven by blistering guitar riffs and Evans’s signature powerhouse vocals, the album aims to remind fans what true Aussie rock is all about. From the scorching title track to its gritty blues swagger, every song clocks in at just under four minutes, ensuring that the energy never dips for a moment.
Evans himself couldn’t hide his enthusiasm about reuniting with Rabbit co-founder Mark Tinson, who served as the main songwriter and lead guitarist. “The time seemed right for the mighty Rabbit to have a say once again in the world of rock,” Evans said. “It’s all killer, no filler — we hope rock fans all over the world will love our new work and be inspired to keep rockin’.”
Classic Sound, Modern Edge
Defenders of Rock is more than just a nostalgic comeback; it’s a statement about the staying power of true rock music. Evans and Tinson have managed to create an album that honors their early sound while pushing forward with renewed purpose. The production stays loyal to the raw, hook-driven formula that defined Rabbit’s best work — the kind of no-nonsense rock and roll that doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
The record’s tone is pure energy. It’s riff-heavy, rhythm-driven, and bursting with attitude — a refreshing reminder of when rock wasn’t about image but about impact. Evans’s vocals sound just as fierce and commanding as they did decades ago, carrying that trademark mix of grit and melody that helped put both Rabbit and early AC/DC on the map.
Fans won’t have to wait long to get their hands on it. The album will be available digitally and on CD this October, while vinyl LPs are set for release in early 2026 — a fitting nod to rock’s golden age. For Evans and his crew, Defenders of Rock isn’t just an album title — it’s a mission statement.
From AC/DC to Rabbit
Long before Bon Scott became synonymous with AC/DC, it was Dave Evans who stood at the mic. He fronted the band from its inception in November 1973 until September 1974, performing during their earliest gigs — including their first-ever show at Chequers nightclub. Evans also recorded AC/DC’s debut single, “Can I Sit Next to You Girl?”, along with the B-side “Baby, Please Don’t Go,” helping lay the foundation for one of the biggest rock bands in history.
After parting ways with AC/DC, Evans quickly found a new home with Newcastle hard rockers Rabbit. With their theatrical performances and relentless energy, Rabbit became a force in the Australian scene. Evans’s charisma and vocal strength helped the band land a deal with CBS Records, leading to the release of Rabbit and Too Much Rock and Roll. The latter became an international success, earning Rabbit fans in Europe and Japan before the band ultimately disbanded in 1978.
Those years defined Evans’s trajectory as a performer — always restless, always on the move. His transition from the early AC/DC days to Rabbit showed his versatility and his drive to stay true to rock’s rebellious heart.
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Still Rockin’ After All These Years
Even after Rabbit’s breakup, Dave Evans never stopped performing or recording. From his 1986 project Dave Evans & Thunder Down Under to numerous solo albums like Sinner, Judgement Day, and Revenge, Evans has kept the torch of hard rock burning bright. His collaborations with guitarist John Nitzinger even earned him praise from critics who noted his unwavering intensity and authentic rock spirit.
Over the decades, Evans has received international recognition for his contributions to rock music — including honors like the Key to the City of Tenaha, Texas, where he was even made an honorary police officer. His dedication to touring, especially across Europe, the U.S., and Latin America, has cemented his reputation as one of rock’s most enduring frontmen.
Now, as Evans tours the world celebrating 50 years since AC/DC’s first show, the release of Defenders of Rock adds another powerful chapter to his story. He’s not just revisiting the past — he’s proving that pure rock and roll doesn’t age. As he says, it’s all about the “never-say-die attitude of true rockers.”
