AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been charged with attempting to procure a murder, along with various drug charges. Stuff.co.nz reports that the charges come following a police raid on Rudd’s Tauranga, New Zealand residence this morning.
Following the raid on the drummer’s waterfront home, police laid charges of attempting to procure a murder, along with threatening to kill, on the 60-year-old. Rudd also faces charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of cannabis. He is expected to appear in Tauranga Court this afternoon.
These events come after Rudd, the only Australian-born member of AC/DC, recently missed a promotional video shoot in the UK. Drummer Bob Richards filled in. Rudd was also left out of AC/DC’s recent promotional photograph (above), further fuelling rumours as to his status in the band.
Last month is was confirmed that now-former AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young is in care suffering from dementia. The band’s new album Rock Or Bust is due out Friday, 28th November. Rudd recently released his own solo album, Head Job.
UPDATE: News.com.au reports that Rudd has been released on bail after appearing in Tauranga District Court this afternoon. He will appear in court again on Thursday, 27th November.
Triple M reports Rudd said nothing during the brief appearance, did not seek for his name to be suppressed and could face a maximum sentence of 10 years if convicted. As part of the bail conditions, Rudd must stay in Tauranga and not contact anyone related to the charge of procuring murder.
Fairfax journalist Tony Wall has tweeted two images of Rudd’s appearance in court today along with another image of a police officer outside his home.
UPDATE 07/11/14: AC/DC have spoken out for the first time since Rudd’s arrest.
UPDATE #2 07/11/14: The charge of attempting to procure a murder against Phil Rudd has been dropped – details here.
Listen: AC/DC – Play Ball
https://twitter.com/tonywalljourno/status/530182600078262272
https://twitter.com/tonywalljourno/status/530182494989996033
Cops at Phil rudd's place today pic.twitter.com/jNb9Stu5Mi
— Tony Wall (@tonywalljourno) November 6, 2014
