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AC/DC drummer 'attempted to procure murders'
01:22 - Source: TVNZ

Story highlights

NEW: AC/DC says drummer Phil Rudd's arrest won't affect new album

Rudd is also charged with drug possession, threatening to kill

The 60-year-old New Zealand resident entered no plea and has been bailed, say reports

The group is to release a new album in December, its website says

CNN  — 

Phil Rudd, the drummer for legendary hard rock band AC/DC, has been charged with attempting to have two men killed.

The 60-year-old appeared in a New Zealand court Thursday afternoon facing a count of attempting to procure the murder of two men, said Bay of Plenty Police District representative Kim Perks.

He was also charged with threatening to kill, possession of methamphetamine and possession of cannabis, Perks said.

The names of the men he allegedly wanted killed and the name of the alleged potential hit man are suppressed, CNN affiliate TVNZ reported.

Rudd entered no plea to the charges at the Tauranga District Court, and was bailed until November 27, local media reported.

Police searched Rudd’s waterfront home in Tauranga on Thursday morning, TVNZ reported.

The Australian-born drummer moved to New Zealand in 1983, after being sacked by the group. He rejoined the band years later.

AC/DC is one of the world’s biggest-selling musical acts, and in 2003 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The band’s latest album, “Rock or Bust,” is scheduled for release December 2.

In a statement Thursday, the band said Rudd’s absence wouldn’t affect the album’s release or a tour scheduled for next year.

“We’ve only become aware of Phil’s arrest as the news was breaking,” the statement said. “We have no further comment.”

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