Categories: News

AC/DC drummer charged with plotting murder

AC/DC drummer, Phil Rudd, has been ordered to appear in court on charges of plotting to have two people murdered, threatening to kill and drugs possession.

The Australian musician was reportedly the subject of a raid by New Zealand police at a property on the North Island on Thursday.

According to a police spokeswoman, a man was arrested during the raid and is accused of attempting to procure murder, threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

The man, understood to be Rudd, was due to appear in Tauranga District Court to face the charges later on Thursday afternoon.

60-year-old Australian musician is known to have been living at a Tauranga property for many years.

The news may complicate plans for AC/DC who have recently completed recording a new album, Rock or Bust, and were set to go on tour.

Earlier this week it was announced that the band would be launching the album in an obscure Australian rural town called The Rock, on 23 November. Rock or Bust is due for global release on 28 November. AC/DC are then expected to embark on another worldwide tour.

Rock or Bust is the first album AC/DC have recorded without founding member Malcolm Young. Earlier this year, it was announced that the rhythm guitarist had retired from the band after being diagnosed as suffering from a severe form of dementia.

UPDATE: After appearing in court, Phil Rudd was released on bail and ordered by the judge to appear again in three weeks time.

IMAGE: Recently released promo photo for AC/DC (Sony)

Bryce Lowry

Publisher and Editor of Australian Times.