Prosecutors in Tauranga, New Zealand have dropped murder charges against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd just a day after his arrest, according to The Associated Press.
Rudd’s lawyer Paul Mabey said the 60-year-old drummer was arrested by police without consulting prosecutors. After meeting with Mabey, Tauranga Crown Solicitor Greg Hollister-Jones concluded there was not enough evidence to warrant the charge of attempting to procure murder.
That said, Rudd still faces charges of threatening murder, as well as possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. If found guilty, he could serve up to seven years in prison.
In response to news of Rudd’s arrest, the rest of AC/DC issued a statement to Rolling Stone, saying, “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.”
