In news that explains his recent absence from AC/DC promotional duty, drummer Phil Rudd has been charged with attempting to procure murder.

He was the subject of a raid on the North Island of New Zealand on Thursday morning and appeared in Tauranga district court in the afternoon.  He did not apply to suppress his name and was bailed until 27 November.

He had been charged with attempting to procure murder, threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis and has been ordered to stay in Tauranga and to have no contact with anyone related to the charge of procuring murder as part of his bail conditions.

According to court documents, Rudd is accused of attempting to hire one person to kill two others between 25 September and 26 September.

He is also accused of threatening to kill a complainant on 26 September.

Rock and roll damnation.