AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd charged with murder-for-hire plot

Reports claim that Rudd is being accused of trying to hire a hitman to carry out two killings.

17:51 06 November 2014

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been arrested and is accused of trying to hire a hitman to carry out two killings.

He has also been charged with threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. He made a brief appearance at Tauranga District Court before he was released on bail.

He’ll be back in court on November 27 as confirmed by a court member.

The names of the intended victims and the would-be hitman were both suppressed by the judge.

Meanwhile, Rudd’s lawyer had no comment for the time being.

Rudd’s band was due to release the Rock or Bust album next month and had planned a world tour next year. It is still unclear if the plan will push through in light with the recent events.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame described the band as one of the best-loved and hardest-rocking bands in the world.

"Featuring guitarist Angus Young as their visual symbol and musical firebrand, they grew from humble origins in Australia to become an arena-filling phenomenon with worldwide popularity. They did so without gimmickry, except for Angus's schoolboy uniform, which became mandatory stage attire," said the Hall of Fame's biography.