A member of one of the most iconic bands in the world has been charged with arranging a murder. Phil Rudd has also been charged with drug possession by New Zealand authorities.
Early Thursday morning, police raided AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd’s home in New Zealand. The reason for the raid? Suspected attempted murder.
Rudd is being charged with threatening to kill an individual. While it has not been confirmed who the alleged murder target is, authorities claim Rudd was procuring a murder.
Under the law, procuring a murder means the accused has commanded another to commit a crime, regardless of whether that person has actually followed through with the crime. In Rudd’s case, no information is available about his alleged victim, or if a physical attempt was made on the alleged victim’s life.
In addition to this serious charge, Rudd is also being charged with possessing illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and cannabis.
On Thursday afternoon, he will appear in Tauranga District Court in New Zealand, according to Loudwire.
This isn’t the first major blow to the AC/DC family this year. Just two months ago, guitarist Malcolm Young officially left the band after being diagnosed with dementia.
UPDATE
Rudd made a brief court appearance, where he was released on bail. The conditions of his bail state that he cannot contact anyone involved with the alleged crime. According to BBC News, two men were targeted in the alleged plot.
Check here for more updates on this case as additional details become available.
UPDATE 2
The band has released a statement about Rudd’s arrest:
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.
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