Only Heavy Metal

AC/DC has released an official new publicity photo of the band and notably absent from it is drummer Phil Rudd, who was also a no-show at the group's recent video shoot on October 3 and October 4 for the two new singles, "Play Ball" and "Rock Or Bust". Rudd was replaced for the filming by drummer Bob Richards (who had previously played with SHOGUN and IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith), with singer Brian Johnson reportedly telling fans at the shoot that Rudd was unable to participate due to an undisclosed "family emergency."

Neither Rudd nor the band has issued any further comment on his absence from the shoot. Now the fact that he is missing from the first official band photo for its new album can only be cause for concern among fans already saddened by the departure of founding guitarist Malcolm Young, who is suffering from dementia.

According to Stuff.co.nz, AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been charged by New Zealand police with attempting to procure a murder. Rudd also faces charges of possessing the drugs methamphetamine and cannabis, and of threatening to kill.

The 60-year-old drummer's home in New Zealand was raided Thursday morning (November 6) and he entered no plea to the charges when he appeared in the Tauranga District Court later that afternoon. He was released on bail and will reappear in court on November 27.

He is alleged to have tried to hire a hitman to kill two men. Their names and that of the intended hitman were not released to the media.

The alleged offenses are said to have taken place between September 25 and September 26 this year.

The man who was reportedly approached about killing two people by AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has described the musician as a "good fella," but denied knowing anything about the murder-plot allegations.

We've only become aware of Phil's arrest as the news was breaking. We have no further comment. Phil’s absence will not affect the release of our new album Rock or Bust and upcoming tour next year.

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd's charge of attempting to procure murder has been withdrawn.

Rudd, 60, appeared in the Tauranga District Court yesterday, charged with attempting to procure the murder of two men.

He was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis and threatening to kill.

Rudd's lawyer, Paul Mabey QC, said this afternoon the Crown solicitor withdrew the attempting to procure murder charge after a meeting between Mabey and police.

The Crown solicitor said there was insufficient evidence to justify the charge and has withdrawn the charge, Mabey said.

"The charge alleging an attempt to procure murder should never have been laid," Mabey said.

"The Crown solicitor's opinion was not sought."

Mabey said Rudd would defend the threatening to kill charge. He described the drugs possession charges as "minor".

"Mr Rudd has suffered unnecessary and extremely damaging publicity as a result of widespread and sensational reporting of a very serious allegation, which on any basis was never justified."

A statement from Bay of Plenty police said the charges had been withdrawn by the Crown solicitor.

"A search warrant was executed in Tauranga yesterday resulting in Mr Rudd being charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, threatening to kill and attempting to procure murder.

"After a first appearance in court he was bailed to reappear on November 27.

"In matters of this nature the Crown solicitor then becomes responsible for the prosecution."

The Crown reviewed the charges today and made the decision to withdraw the charge of attempting to procure murder, the police statement said.

The other charges remain before the court.

Police would not be providing further comment as the matter was before the courts.

Rudd was released on bail after yesterday's appearance.

According to the charges laid and now withdrawn by police, Rudd had tried to get two men killed - their names and that of the intended hitman were all suppressed by the judge.

- Stuff