Band say arrest will not affect plans for forthcoming album Rock Or Bust…
AC/DC have issued a statement regarding the arrest of drummer Phil Rudd on murder plot charges.
It was revealed earlier today (November 6) that 60-year-old Rudd had been charged with attempting to procure murder, as well as for making threats to kill and for possession of the drugs methamphetamine and cannabis.
The other members of the band have now released a joint statement about Rudd’s arrest, and have insisted that it will not have any impact on the plans for their forthcoming album Rock Or Bust.
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.”
Rudd, who has now been released on bail after his appearance at Tauranga district court, was arrested after police received information that led them to raid his home. It is thought that the tip-off the authorities received was provided by a member of the public.
The drummer, who is forbidden from contacting anyone else involved in the case as part of his bail conditions, could face a jail sentence of up to 10 years if found guilty. Although the exact details of the murder plot are yet to be revealed, The Guardian
suggest that court documents detail how Rudd tried to hire one person to kill two other men.
Rudd rejoined AC/DC in 1994, 11 years after he was forced out of the band in 1983. AC/DC are set to release their new album Rock Or Bust, which will be their first LP in six years, next month.