AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Charged in Murder Plot

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been charged in New Zealand with "attempting to procure murder," The Associated Press reports.

Rudd, 60, appeared in court Thursday and was released on bail. He also faces additional charges of making death threats and being in possession of marijuana and methamphetamine.

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Rudd allegedly sought to have two people killed, according to CNN's New Zealand affiliate. The names of the intended victims and the name of the person Rudd allegedly hired to commit the murders have not been released.

The musician, who owns a restaurant in New Zealand, was arrested after police searched his home on a tip from the public.

Rudd joined AC/DC in 1974 and left the band in 1983. He rejoined in 1993 and has remained with the group since. He was conspicuously absent from apromotional photo of AC/DC that was released last month, and was also reportedly absent at a video shoot in early October for new singles "Play Ball" and "Rock or Bust." The songs are from the band's forthcoming album Rock or Bust, which is scheduled to be released in December.

Rudd released a solo album, Head Job, earlier this year.