Australian rock music fans are reeling after the revelation that the drummer for one of the nation's biggest bands has been arrested on charges of trying to procure the services of a hit man in an attempt to murder two individuals in New Zealand. Phil Rudd, a longtime member of AC/DC, was bailed out on November 6.
The percussionist has lived in neighboring New Zealand for more than 30 years but was arrested Thursday during a police raid. The judge in the case ordered that the names of the potential victims be withheld, as well as that of the alleged assassin, so there's little knowledge what the details behind the supposed crime are. Police also recovered methamphetamine and cannabis from his home, according to CNN. Rudd did not enter a plea when charged.
The news couldn't come at a worse time for AC/DC. The band is due to release its new album Rock Or Bust on November 28 and many assume that a tour in support of the album would naturally follow. Fans took to the band's website to express concerns that a conviction for Rudd could spell the end of the band, or at least hamper any attempts at a tour. He's scheduled to appear in court on November 27.
It's just another piece of bad news in one of the worst on memory for the group. It was announced earlier during 2014 that Rock Or Bust would be the band's first without rhythm guitarist Malcom Young, due to his suffering from dementia. He and brother Angus had appeared on every AC/DC album to date.
