Phil Rudd Accused of Trying to Hire Hitman

In news that is both bizarre and a little ironic, it appears that AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been charged with attempting to procure murder. I'll let you have a moment to read that again before I continue. The charge occurred in New Zealand, where the drummer was released on bail after an appearance at Tauranga District Court. The other charges against him include threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, according to ABC News. He has yet to enter a plea, but is court-ordered to avoid contact with anyone else involved in the plot.

CNN adds that Rudd apparently tried to hire a hitman to kill two men, but the names of the targets and of the hitman have been suppressed. There are no further details about the case at this time, aside from the fact that Rudd has a tentative follow-up court date of November 27 and that his home in Tauranga was searched by police Thursday morning. Neither Rudd nor his publicist have released an official statement on the investigation at this time.

To say that this news comes as a surprise would be an understatement. AC/DC is one of the greatest rock bands in history and the band members were even inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. However, some people were quick to point out the irony of such a news story considering the band's discography.

Now might not exactly be the best time for musical puns, but I can't honestly say I blame people for reacting in this way. After all, this news story comes completely out of left field and seems like it belongs more in a mobster film or a television show than in real life. Hopefully, as more details come to light, we'll be able to make sense of this shocking charge and even more shocking situation.

A contact for Rudd could not be reached at the time of this article.