Phil Rudd has pleaded not guilty to charges of threatening to kill and possession of drugs.
The AC/DC drummer did not appear in person at New Zealand’s Tauranga District Court, with his lawyer entering the plea on his behalf.
The latest news comes after a turbulent month for the 60-year-old musician, who was originally charged with attempting to procure the murder of two men. The charge was swiftly dropped on November 7 due to a lack of evidence
Police say they found the drugs when they raided Phil’s home in Otumoetai on Nov 6, reports economictimes.indiatimes.com.
He was further remanded on existing bail terms to next appear at a case review hearing in Tauranga District Court on February 10, 2015. No trial date has been set yet.
Australian-born Phil joined rock band AC/DC in 1975, but was kicked out in 1983. He rejoined bandmates a year later.
The band has undergone several line-up changes over the last 40 years, with latest incarnation Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams, Stevie Young and Phil releasing new music in 2014 with album Rock or Bust. The record marks AC/DC’s 15th internationally released studio album.
Members of the group have spoken out about Phil’s recent behaviour, saying they are hopeful he’ll be able to work through his personal battles.
‘He has got himself into some sort of situation and he’s got to get himself out of it,’ Cliff told British newspaper The Sun. ‘He didn’t show up for the video we were filming (for Rock or Bust and Play Ball) so our friend Bob Richards stood in. But we want to move forward. Phil needs to get himself right. It is going to take time.’
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