Attempting to Procure a Murder Charges Against AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Dropped

Well, that was fast.

Just yesterday, we learned that Phil Rudd, drummer for AC/DC, had been arrested and charged with possession of cannabis and methamphetine, threatening to kill someone, and “trying to procure the murder of two people in New Zealand.”

The Sydney Morning Herald now reports that the most appalling of those charges — the attempt to hire someone to commit murder on Rudd’s behalf — has been dropped:

“Rudd’s lawyer, Paul Mabey, QC, said on Friday afternoon that the Crown solicitor withdrew the charge after a meeting with Mabey and police.

‘The decision to charge Mr Rudd was made by the New Zealand Police without consultation with the Tauranga Crown Solicitor,’ he said.

“The Crown Solicitor said there was insufficient evidence to justify the charge and had withdrawn the charge, Mr Mabey said.

“The Crown Solicitor’s office confirmed the charge had been withdrawn.”

Unfortunately for Rudd, the other charges still stand, although the drug charges are apparently “minor,” and he plans to contest the charge of threatening to kill someone.

Rudd’s attorney also said that the drummer is “considering any possible remedies he may have” for the “unnecessary and extremely damaging publicity” surrounding his arrest. In other words: he’s gonna sue the New Zealand PD.

What will be interesting to see now is if he re-joins AC/DC, or if the band proceeds with their upcoming tour utilizing a different drummer. Stay tuned…