Update 11/06/2014: The ‘attempting to procure murder’ charges have been dropped according to Phil Rudd’s lawyer. Charges related to threatening to kill and possession of drugs still remain. See here for more details: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/hit-man-charge-dropped-against-ac-dc-drummer-phil-rudd-n243261
The ending months of 2014 seem to be rather unfortunate for rock band AC/DC. Just last month, co-founding member and guitarist, Malcolm Young, was admitted to a full-time nursing home after being diagnosed with dementia and now, drummer, Phil Rudd, has been charged in murder-for-hire plot. The 60-year old Australian musician was arrested by New Zealand police, and after a raid of his home in Taraunga, is facing charges of attempting to procure murder, threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. It is thought that the authorities received a tip by a member of the public.
Rudd appeared in court after the arrest, and remained silent during the hearing. He was released on bail, but his bail conditions state he is not to leave Taraunga or speak to anyone involved in the case. If found guilty, he could spend up to 10 years in prison. The exact details of the murder plot have yet to be released.
Rudd joined AC/DC in 1975, and was forced out in 1983. After 11 years, he rejoined the band in 1994. The group have been working on an upcoming album, which will be the first in 6 years, and they have made it clear that the arrest of the drummer will not affect the release of the album. AC/DC have released the following statement regarding the arrest of fellow band mate: “We’ve only become aware of Phil’s arrest as the news was breaking. We have no further comment. Phil’s absence will not affect the release of our new album Rock or Bust and upcoming tour next year.”
