AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Accused of Plotting Two Homocides
After being suspected of plotting to coordinate two homicides, Phil Rudd, an Australian drummer for rock 'n roll band AC/DC, has been on the Q.T. within his New Zealand residence, Television New Zealand reports. According to local media, Rudd was described as looking dazed and "bedraggled."
According to Stuff, a Fairfax Media publication, Rudd was driven from court in a silver Mercedes Kompressor convertible. TVNZ reports the driver was his wife.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, Rudd made an appearance in Tauranga District Court in Wellington after being released on bail, upon being accused of possession of methamphetamine and marijuana and threatening to kill, the latter of which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years, according to USA Today. The publication also purports in September, Rudd pursued hiring a contract killer to murder the two people, whose names have yet to be released by the public.
At the hearing, Judge Louis Bidois ordered the hard rock drummer as part of his bail conditions to "have no further contact" with the hit man he allegedly tapped to murder his two adversaries, according to BBC.
This is not the first time Rudd, 60, has faced off with the law. In 2010, he was convicted of possession of 25 grams of marijuana and was later penalized $250. But even Michael Browning, his ex-manager, felt the charge of procuring murder was "bit of a shock, but there you go," according to Daily Mail Australia.
Benny Tarantini, a spokesman for AC/DC, released a statement from the band Thursday morning, asserting: "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' - now scheduled for release Dec. 2 - 'and upcoming tour next year.'"
The charges also come at the heels of "Head Job," a solo album released by Rudd in September. The Guardian notes that regardless of the outcome, Rudd may not be welcomed back to the band. AC/DC has not responded.
Rudd, who has been in the recording business for over 40 years, first joined AC/DC in 1974 before packing his bags and shipping out to New Zealand in 1983, only to return in 1994. In 2003 members of AC/DC, including Rudd, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Two years prior, Rudd purchased Phil's Place, a Tauranga restaurant. With the band, Rudd helped craft the classic albums "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," "High Voltage," "Highway to Hell," and "Back in Black."
According to court staff, Rudd is scheduled to appear in court again Nov. 27. However, he entered no plea to the charges. At the time of reports Paul Mabey, Rudd's attorney, said he had no comment.
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