AC/DC drummer clowns around at New Zealand court
Phil Rudd, center, drummer for the rock band AC/DC, jumped onto the back of his security guard after his short court hearing in the High Court at Tauranga, New Zealand on Wednesday. (AP Photo/New Zealand Herald, Alan Gibson)
TAURANGA, New Zealand >> AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd showed up late for a New Zealand court appearance Wednesday and clowned around by jumping on the back of one of his security guards outside the courthouse.
Rudd did not enter a plea during his brief appearance.
The 60-year-old is charged with threatening to kill, which comes with a maximum prison sentence of seven years, as well as possessing methamphetamine and marijuana.
Citing a lack of evidence, prosecutors earlier dropped a more serious charge that alleged Rudd tried to hire a hit-man to kill two people.
The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported that during his appearance, Rudd winked at reporters, drummed a rhythm on the dock and then sped away from the courthouse in a black sports car.
Rudd’s future with the popular Australian band remains uncertain.
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Rudd remains free on bail with his next court appearance scheduled for Dec. 2. That’s coincidentally the same day that AC/DC’s new album “Rock or Bust” is due to be released.
Rudd’s lawyer could not be immediately contacted for comment Wednesday.
