In November, AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was arrested in New Zealand for allegedly hiring someone to murder two people for him. Later, a judge dropped that charge, citing a lack of evidence. But Rudd was still accused of threatening to kill someone (the threats to a second person were also dismissed), as well as possession of marijuana and methamphetamine.
Now, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, Rudd has plead guilty to the drug charges and the charge of threatening to kill someone. He’s out on bail now, and he’ll be back in court for his sentencing on June 26. Apparently, Rudd was extremely upset after his 2014 solo album sold poorly, and, after firing a number of his employees, he decided that a former security guard/personal assistant needed to be “taken out.” He then offered the business associate he told about his plan $200,000, a car, and either a motorcycle or a house, which the associate in question maintains was intended as payment for the crime. Rudd also reportedly called his intended victim numerous times and said, “I’m going to come over and kill you,” which sounds a lot like threatening to murder someone.
Drummer Chris Slade replaced Rudd in AC/DC’s lineup earlier this year.