Phil Rudd, longtime drummer for Australian hard rock band AC/DC, faces multiple charges in New Zealand, including plotting the murder of two men and possession of both cannabis and methamphetamine.
According to The Wrap, Rudd was taken into custody after law enforcement received a tip from the public which led them to search his New Zealand home. The drug charges are from the police raid, while the alleged intent to kill stems from a September incident.
The 60-year-old drummer appeared in court Thursday, where he entered no plea and was released on bail until Nov. 27. Rudd reportedly faces one count of attempting to plan the murder of two men, whose names have not been released.
Staff at Rudd’s restaurant, Phil’s Place, say they aren’t surprised by his arrest, as they’re aware of his lifestyle. One person noted that the drummer covered the windows in his house with his band posters.
Rudd, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, first joined legendary rock group AC/DC in 1975, leaving in 1983. After more than a decade break, he reunited with his bandmates and has been a member since.
AC/DC’s newest and 16th international album, Rock or Bust, is set to be released in December.