AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been arrested and charged with attempting to hire a hitman to commit murder.
His bandmates have now issued a joint statement about Rudd’s arrest, insisting that it will have no effect on the band’s release of their upcoming album Rock Or Bust.
The musician has appeared in court in New Zealand on charges of trying to arrange a murder. He was also charged with making threats to kill and for possession of the drugs methamphetamine and cannabis.
As Rolling Stone reports, the statement reads: “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.”
The Aussie rockers are due to release their new album Rock Or Bust in December, which will be their first LP in six years.
Michael Browning, AC/DC’s former manager, told the Daily Mail the situation was a “bit of a shock”.
The 60-year-old was arrested after a police raid of his home in Tauranga yesterday. It was thought that the police were tipped-off about the drummer by a unanimous member of the public.
He has since been released on bail, and as part of his bail conditions, he is not allowed to be in contact with anyone involved in the murder plot.
The Guardian reports that court documents detail how Rudd tried to hire one person to kill two other men. The musician is due back in court again on November 27th, where he faces up to 10 years in jail.
Watch Paul Rudd in court below.
