AC/DC DRUMMER PHIL RUDD IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW AGAIN
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd faced a new arrest warrant after arriving at court late to answer a charge of threatening to kill today.
He’d been accused of attempting to procure a murder earlier this month, although that charge was dropped by New Zealand authorities the following day. He could spend up to seven years in jail if found guilty of the charges that remain, including possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.
Rudd, 60, had been ordered to appear at Tauranga High Court at 9am, but failed to arrive in time. Justice Timothy Brewer was in the process of issuing an arrest warrant when the drummer entered the room. The warrant was then dropped.
He entered no plea via attorney Paul Mabey and Justice Brewer ordered the case to be sent down to a lower court, since the most serious charge had been dropped.
On leaving the court, Rudd gestured towards media, jumped on the back of his security guard, then got into his car, which he reversed into the path of an oncoming truck. No collision took place.
His future with AC/DC remains uncertain, with the band set to tour next year regardless of whether he’s convicted. Frontman Brian Johnson said last week, “I don’t think we have to do anything – fire him or anything. I think the situation is going to take care of itself.”
Their 17th album, Rock Or Bust, will be released on December 2nd. A full stream is available in some parts of the world via iTunes.
source: classicrockmagazine
Unfortunately, Phil’s time in AC/DC is over. No way you can depend on him, especially during a big tour. I will be interested to see who replaces him. Apparently, it won’t be Bob Richards as a lot of us had thought.
Brian said in his Stern interview that the band had worked with a lot of drummers over the years…he didn’t seem too concerned. He joked something about rock and roll drummers coming complete with a harness and safety belt lol.
I don’t know who it might be…I saw Simon Wright on the MOR cruise in April sit in for a song with the Led Zeppelin tribute band and he was in great form. Looked like he was having a drink with Jake E. Lee and they called him up to the stage…funny how good that band started to sound we he was on the drum kit lol. Maybe they will give him a call. For some reason I don’t think it will be Slade.
Hi David, please see the “Rock Or Bust” video page, take care buddy. 🙂
Hey Doug welcome back!
Another fallen musician. What a shame he had it all now it’s all gonna be gone. Hope he gets some help before he ends up dead like so many other fallen ones
Obviously he’s a mess…what a shame. One of the top bands ever and basically just screwing it away.
Hope he can fix himself and get right.
It’s a shame that Phil’s life seems to be falling apart. I hope he gets himself together. AC/DC needs to just move on without him, which I’m sure they’ve already done.
Hi James, please see the “Rock Or Bust” video page, take care buddy! 🙂
It’s great to have you back Doug!
What an absolute shame. One of arguably the best rock drummers of all time in one of the biggest bands ever. Phil Rudd had it all and chose to blow it on drugs. Sad sad sad. I’m quite certain there will be no shortage of drummers who would jump at the chance to get behind the kit for this tour. Hey Eddie, Any thoughts on who it might be? A lot of people are thinking Simon Wright. For some reason I’m thinking they’re choice might surprise a lot of people. Thoughts Eddie?
Best rock drummers of all time? Ummm no.
There are plenty of rock drummers who school Rudd on the kit.
What Phil has is great timing.