"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," indeed. In a weird form of life imitating art and then driving single sales, AC/DC's hitman inspired single "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" saw a major bump in sales this week after the classic rock band's drummer, Phil Rudd, was arrested for attempting to hire a hitman in New Zealand.
In case you forgot, earlier this month, Rudd was arrested in New Zealand for attempting to hire someone to murder two individuals, whose names have been withheld for protective purposes. In the wake of the hitman story, AC/DC's 1976 single "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" (from an album of the same name) saw a 21 percent increase in digital downloads, according to Billboard.
Last week, "Dirty Deeds" was downloaded nearly 2000 times, a rare sales bump thanks to those who enjoy Law & Order style drama, irony and classic rock music.
As for Rudd, the murder for hire charges against him have been dropped, due to a reported lack of evidence. The AC/DC drummer still is facing charges in New Zealand for threatening to kill and possession of marijuana and methamphetamines.
AC/DC is due to release a new album, Rock or Bust on Dec. 2, its first studio release in over six years. As far as Rudd's involvement in the legendary band, AC/DC as a whole has remained coy, releasing a statement saying that his recent arrest and erratic behavior will "not affect the release of our new album, Rock or Bust, and upcoming tour next year."
