AC/DC Drummer charged in double murder plot
Phil Rudd arraigned on a multitude of charges in New Zealand
Phil Rudd, the drummer for legendary Australian rock band AC/DC, has been charged in New Zealand with attempting to arrange the murders of two people.
The New Zealand Herald reported that the 60-year-old appeared in court Thursday morning in Tauranga, on the country's North Island. The paper reported that he was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, and making threats to kill. Rudd entered no plea in connection with the charges and was released on bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 27.
Rudd was arrested Thursday morning after police raided his waterfront home. Tauranga Police Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier told the SunLive news outlet that the search was ordered after a member of the public contacted authorities, but had no further details. Rudd was ordered to have no contact with the man he allegedly hired to carry out the murders. The name of the alleged hitman and the would-be victims were ordered suppressed by the case judge.
The BBC reports that under New Zealand law, Rudd could receive up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of the charge of attempting to procure a murder.
The Herald reported that Rudd has lived in New Zealand since 1983, when he was fired from AC/DC. He rejoined the group in 1994.
Earlier this year, AC/DC revealed that founding member Malcolm Young would no longer perform with the band due to dementia. Young is being treated at a Sydney care facility.
The group was formed in 1973 by Malcolm Young and his brother Angus and have sold more than 200 million albums around the world. Among those is their 1976 album "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," the title track of which features a hitman offering his services to people in desperate situations.
WATCH: Four4Four: Lena Dunham goes after conservative blog
Click for more from the New Zealand Herald.
Click for more from SunLive.co.nz.
Trending
Fox News Entertainment
Get a daily look at the top news in music, movies, television and more in the entertainment industry.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.