Original AC/DC frontman, Dave Evans, celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Aussie rockers Rabbit with a brand new album, Defenders of Rock, to be released worldwide on October 31 via Savant Guarde Records.
Defenders of Rock is a bulletproof slab of 100% pure Aussie Rock. It’s all big hook and riffs in the tradition of their most luminous contemporaries. Rabbit still proves 50 years on that this music is as viable today as it ever has been. The album’s title track erupts with scorching lead guitar work from main songwriter and band co-founder Mark Tinson – Evans follows suit with the ageless and electrifying vocal deliveries that give each track on the album that anthemic charge.
Blending seamless old school rock and roll, that unmistakable pub rock attitude and some downright dirty blues swagger, “Defenders of Rock” a memorable classic. With each song clocking in at no more than three and a half minutes, “Defenders of Rock” flies straight out of the gate and works itself into a fury but leaves you wanting just a little bit more.
Dave Evans comments on Defenders of Rock “I was very excited when fellow Rabbit member, Mark Tinson, approached me about doing another Rabbit album. Mark and I never stopped working together; recording through the years with other projects and collaborating on my solo recordings.
The time seemed right for the mighty Rabbit to have a say once again in the world of rock. This album really makes a statement about the state of rock music today and the never say die attitude of true rockers. It’s all killer, no filler and we hope rock fans all over the world will love our new work and be inspired to KEEP ROCKIN¨ !!!
Defenders of Rock has been a long time coming with lead single,
We’ll Never Get Too Much Rock n Roll being first released in 2023. It’s a homage to the past but also a nod to the present ‘we started a fire back in 75 and we cant put it out, its still burning wild’
The title is a nod to their 1976 self titled track, to 1976’s Too Much Rock n Roll, Listen HERE. Listen to
Let’s Get Loud, featuring former Rose Tattoo drummer Scott Johnston.
Wrap your ears around the album’s teaser HERE.
Defenders of Rock will be released on CD and digitally on October 31. Pre orders are available here: https://rabbit.lnk.to/defendersofrock. LP’s will be available in early 2026.
Rabbit reminds us that Rock is our music, and this is the music that we want.
Rocking globally for over 50 years, Dave Evans fronted AC/DC from its inception in November 1973 until September 1974 before officially being replaced by Bon Scott in October 1974. He was there in those early days for their infamous first gig at Chequers Nightclub and the recording of their debut single “Can I Sit Next to You Girl?” along with “Baby, Please Don’t Go”. Although his time with AC/DC was brief, his role in laying the foundation of one of rock’s most iconic bands remains a key chapter in his career.
Following AC/DC, Evans joined Newcastle (Australia) hard rock band Rabbit in 1975. With their theatrical, high-energy stage presence and raw rock sound, Rabbit quickly became one of Australia’s hottest live acts. Evans’ charisma and powerful vocals helped the band sign with CBS Records and release two albums: Rabbit and Too Much Rock and Roll. The latter album gained national attention and was distributed internationally in Europe and Japan. Despite strong momentum, Rabbit disbanded in 1978 after key lineup changes and relentless touring.
Dave was never one to let the lights fade, as the world changed around him. Since 78’ he has been in various projects including 1986’s Dave Evans & Thunder Down Under, AC/DC tribute bands and has released more than a dozen solo albums including Sinner, Judgement Day, and 2013’s Revenge with former Alice Cooper guitarist, John Nitzinger, which received multiple perfect score reviews from rock press worldwide!
Dave has received many awards from around the world for his contribution to music including multiple nominates including the LA Music Awards and the Music Industry Awards UK. In 2018 received the Key To The City of Tenaha, Texas. The city also made an honorary police officer making him the only non American citizen in history to have been made an honorary American law officer.
To this day he continues to tour across Europe and the US and has become an Icon of Rock in Latin America where his fanbase remains incredibly loyal.
As of 2024–2025, Evans is on a world tour celebrating 50 years since AC/DC’s first show, delivering a nostalgic set that pays tribute to his role in the band’s origins while highlighting his enduring presence in rock music.
More information: savantguarderecordsusa.bandcamp.com
