AC/DC drummer ‘had some problems’

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd arrives at court in Tauranga yesterday. Pic: SunLive.co.nz Source: Supplied

A MAN police claim was approached to kill two people by AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has described the rocker as a "good fella", but refused to discuss his links to the alleged murder plot.

Rudd appeared in a New Zealand court yesterday afternoon on charges of attempting to procure the murders of two people, threatening to kill, and the possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

He was arrested following a police raid on his Tauranga harbourside home yesterday morning.

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It caps a horror year for the world-conquering Australian band, whose founding guitarist Malcolm Young was forced to retire in September with dementia. The band are preparing to release their 16th studio album Rock or Bust later this month.

And rumours of a rift with Rudd were sparked last month when the band published publicity photos without him. The previous month he had released his first solo album Head Job.

The alleged intended hitman said he had been friends with Rudd and met him when he ran a parlour in Tauranga.

He said the rock drummer was "a good fella", though he'd had some problems.

Phil Rudd leaves Tauranga court yesterday. Pic: George Novak Source: News Corp Australia

The man told the Bay of Plenty Times Rudd would often let him drive his cars – the latest Ferrari and Lamborghini models – as well as going for trips in his helicopter or going out fishing.

But when asked about murder plot allegations, the man replied: "I don't know what you're talking about."

The ageing rocker had recently become irritable and burnt a lot of bridges.

"He's burning the ones who care about him," the man said.

Phil Rudd (right) with other members of AC/DC (from left) lead singer Brian Johnson, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams and Angus Young. Source: Supplied

Despite the allegations, Rudd was a good person, the man said.

"The joys of being a rock star, always in the spotlight. You've got to feel sorry for him – just the expectations everyone has of him. He's a good fella," he said.

"He's got a big heart."

The man added police called him yesterday morning to inform him of Rudd's arrest.

Both of the intended alleged victims refused to comment yesterday.

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been charged with attempting to arrange a murder following a raid on his New Zealand home.

In court, Rudd appeared exhausted as he stepped into the dock wearing a grey jersey and jeans. The 60-year-old did not seek name suppression but his lawyer, Tony Rickard-Simms, asked Judge Bidois to deny the media permission to film Rudd in court, arguing they simply wanted to get photos of him "at his worst".

Rudd had been in police custody since 7am that morning, he said.

Judge Bidois refused the request, but suppressed the names of the alleged intended victims and the alleged intended hitman.

He was placed on bail at his home until his next appearance on November 27 and ordered not to have any contact with the three other men.

Phil Rudd as he appeared in Tauranga court yesterday. Source: No Source

The maximum penalty for procuring a murder is 10 years' imprisonment, while threatening to kill carries a maximum of seven years.

The drummer refused to speak with gathered media as he pulled away from the courthouse in a late-model soft-top Mercedes, driven by a blonde woman who had watched the court proceedings from the public gallery.

Rudd's defence lawyer, Paul Mabey QC, said he was not prepared to comment on the police allegations at this time.

Ex-manager Michael Browning told Daily Mail Australia the charge was a "bit of a shock, but there you go".

The current AC/DC management in Australia declined to comment on the charges last night.

Rudd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 along with the other members of AC/DC.

Phil Rudd (right) in AC/DC's early lineup including late frontman Bon Scott (second from left), Malcolm (left) and Angus Young (second from right), and Cliff Williams. Source: Supplied

Highs and lows on highway to hell

PHIL Rudd was already a respected player in Melbourne's rock scene before he auditioned to become the permanent drummer for the fledgling AC/DC in late 1974.

He had set his sights on a music career in his teens and furthered his reputation as a serious player with the tough suburban rock outfit Buster Brown, fronted by ­future Rose Tattoo leader Angry Anderson.

The pair had a falling out over money and, at 21, Rudd was working in a car wash and gigging with Lobby Loyde and the Coloured Balls when he found out AC/DC were looking for a drummer.

He continued with the band until 1983, then quit after finishing recording his parts for their 1983 album Flick of The Switch.

Phil Rudd mans the drum kit for AC/DC in a Hollywood concert in 1977. Pic: Getty Images Source: Supplied

It later emerged that Rudd had a confrontation with rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young and had problems with alcohol and substance abuse.

AC/DC's original manager Michael Browning noted in the book Dog Eat Dog that Rudd would smoke a "fair amount of pot" on the road during their early tours and also suffered from occasional anxiety attacks.

Rudd moved to New Zealand, playing music for pleasure to keep his hand in as well as indulging his passion for motor racing. He also achieved a helicopter pilot's licence.

Rudd rejoined the band in 1994 after the Young brothers asked him to join them for a jam session during their New Zealand tour.

In 2010, Rudd pleaded guilty to cannabis possession in New Zealand.

Rudd also has a restaurant in Tauranga called Phil's Place, which was closed for several months after a dispute with his employees.

Rudd put out his debut solo record, Head Job, in August.

Kathy McCabe

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