Drummer Chris Slade has confirmed that he will rejoin legendary hard rockers AC/DC for their appearance at the 57th annual Grammy Awards as well as the band's upcoming tour.

Said Slade in a statement: "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."

Fans began speculating about Slade after he had to bow out of, of all things, a personal appearance at a California optometry practice last weekend.

The optometrist wrote on Facebook that the drummer had to cancel because of "big news regarding Slade and his career coming in [the] next several days."