AC/ DC drummer faces prison time over violent threat
Phil Rudd’s future with legendary rock band AC/ DC is in doubt after the drummer pleaded guilty Tuesday in New Zealand to charges of threatening to kill a former employee. The 60- year- old also pleaded guilty to drug possession, according to Britain’s Telegraph.
Details of what led to Rudd’s arrest emerged in court Tuesday. The drummer apparently was angry and fired several employees because of a failed solo album.
According to court records, on Sept. 25, Rudd called an associate and said he wanted one of the ex- employees “taken out.” Later, he allegedly called to offer the associate money, a motorbike and a car or house, making it look like a murder- for- hire scheme.
Rudd didn’t help matters by reportedly calling the intended victim twice and threatening to “come over and kill you.”
When police searched Rudd’s home, they reportedly found methamphetamine and marijuana.
He faces up to seven years, nine months in jail, the Telegraph reports. But website Gawker added that the sentencing was delayed until June 26. And Rudd’s lawyer, Craig Tuck, told reporters he intends to contest the conviction, which apparently is permitted in New Zealand, even when a defendant pleads guilty.
“This matter essentially revolved around an angry phone call,” Tuck reportedly said. “That was it.”
As Rudd waits to learn his fate, AC/ DC is moving ahead with their performance schedule. At last week’s Coachella music festival, Chris Slade replaced him on the drums.
The band is scheduled AC/ DC drummer Phil Rudd stands in the dock at a court in Tauranga, New Zealand, on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening to kill a man who used to work for him, as well as to drug charges. to play San Francisco’s AT& T Park on Sept. 25.