AC/DC insist Phil Rudd’s arrest will "not affect" their future plans.
The 60- year-old drummer has been charged with trying to have two people murdered, threatening to kill and possessing drugs following a raid on his New Zealand home early this morning (06.11.14), but his bandmates – Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Cliff Williams and Stevie Young – will still go ahead with releasing new album ‘Rock or Bust’ later this month, and heading out on the road in 2015.
A statement on the group’s website said: "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."
Following his arrest, Rudd appeared in Tauranga district court but didn’t speak during the hearing and has been bailed until 27 November, with the terms of his bail including having to stay in Tauranga and have no contact with anyone relating to the procuring murder charge.
The drummer doesn’t feature in promotional material for ‘Rock or Bust’ and was not a part of two video shoots in the last few months.
Singer Brian reportedly told fans at one of the shoots that the drummer was missing due to a "family emergency".
Rudd joined AC/DC in 1975 but was dropped in 1983. He rejoined in 1994.
AC/DC won’t change plans
