Angus Young and the other members of AC/DC spoke candidly about their relationship with drummer Phil Rudd, who was arrested in New Zealand on murder-for-hire charges. Although those charges were dropped, Rudd still faces other serious allegations, just as the group mounts a promotional tour for their new record.
Rudd was in a New Zealand courtroom on Nov. 6, accused of hiring a man to kill two other people. While those charges were dropped the next day, he still faces a seven-year jail sentence for allegedly threatening to kill someone. Police are also charging him for possession of meth and cannabis.
During a press conference to promote their new album, Rock or Bust, Young said that they haven’t spoken to Rudd since the arrest. According to the BBC, Young said they had “a few problems” with the drummer while making the album, but the arrest was still surprising.
“We had a few issues before with him,” Young said. “Even when we were recording it was hard even to get to him to do the recording.”
Young also said that Rudd failed to show up for video shoots and other promotional commitments for the new release.
While speaking with USA Today, bassist Cliff Williams said that “it was tough to get [Rudd to a studio] in the first place.”
AC/DC hopes to tour next year to promote Rock or Bust, which comes out on Dec. 2. It’s not known if Rudd will be able to tour with them or not. Rudd was kicked out in 1983, but later rejoined them in 1994.
image of Angus Young courtesy of INFevents.com