Phil Rudd, AC/DC's 60-year-old drummer, has reportedly been charged by New Zealand police with "procuring a murder."
According to Stuff.co.nz, which reports that Rudd allegedly tried to have two men killed, the charges were brought after police raided Rudd’s home in Mauta, New Zealand, this morning (Wednesday).
The drummer has been in custody since 7 a.m. local time. He also has been charged for possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis and "threatening to kill."
Rudd said nothing during his brief appearance in Tauranga District Court earlier today, after which he was released on bail. He entered no plea to the charges and will reappear in court in three weeks.
According to Stuff.co.nz, one of the alleged victims said he didn't want to comment before speaking to his lawyer; he was with his children and "not in a position to speak."
A police official quoted by SunLive.co.nz said the information that led to the raid on Rudd's home was provided by a member of the public.
Rudd was missing during the filming of two music videos for songs from AC/DC’s upcoming studio album, Rock or Bust, and from a press photo the band recently posted on its Facebook page. At the time, the drummer's absence was attributed to a “family emergency” by vocalist Brian Johnson. Rock or Bust will be released December 2.
Rudd is the only Australian-born member of AC/DC. He moved to New Zealand in 1983 after he was kicked out of the band. He re-joined the band in 1994 and has been with them ever since.
AC/DC is already reeling from with the recent departure of rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, who was diagnosed with dementia.
Stay tuned for more details on this story, which we will relay as they become available.
