AC/DC issue statement following drummer’s arrest

The rock legends have released a brief statement following their drummer Phil Rudd’s arrest over an alleged murder collusion yesterday.

"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," reads the statement on the band’s official website.

Rudd appeared before a New Zealand court yesterday afternoon, following a raid on his home that morning. The Tauranga local was charged with attempting to procure a murder between September 25 and September 26, threatening to kill and possession on methamphetamine and cannabis. It has been reported he hired a ’hitman’ to have two men killed.

The 60-year-old was later released on bail until November 27 when he will appear in a Registrar’s List and must stay in Tauranga on the North Island without contacting anyone related to the charge as per the bail conditions.

Attempting to procure a murder is punishable by up to 10 years in jail.

AC/DC will embark on an extensive tour throughout 2015 in support of their fifteenth LP Rock or Bust, due out November 28 via Sony Music.

AC/DC have sold over 200 million records globally since forming in 1973.