A New Zealand police charge of `` attempting to procure murder '' against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been dropped , his lawyer said . Rudd , the 60-year-old drummer for the legendary hard rock band , had been accused of trying to have two men killed . But the Crown Solicitor decided there was n't enough evidence to justify it , attorney Paul Mabey said in a statement . `` The charge alleging an attempt to procure murder should never have been laid . The Crown Solicitor 's opinion was not sought . The charge is now withdrawn , within 24 hours of Mr. Rudd 's first appearance in court , '' Mabey said . `` Mr. Rudd has suffered unnecessary and extremely damaging publicity as a result of widespread and sensational reporting of a very serious allegation , which on any basis was never justified . '' Rudd still faces other charges , including threatening to kill , Mabey said . `` Mr. Rudd will defend the charge of threatening to kill . Charges relating to personal possession of drugs are minor , '' he said . Police searched Rudd 's waterfront home in Tauranga on Thursday morning , TVNZ reported . The Australian-born drummer moved to New Zealand in 1983 , after being sacked by the group . He rejoined the band years later . AC/DC is one of the world 's biggest-selling musical acts , and in 2003 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . The band 's latest album , `` Rock or Bust , '' is scheduled for release December 2 . In a statement Thursday , the band said Rudd 's absence would n't affect the album 's release or a tour scheduled for next year . `` We 've only become aware of Phil 's arrest as the news was breaking , '' the statement said . `` We have no further comment . '' AC/DC 's Malcolm Young leaving band .
`` Mr. Rudd has suffered unnecessary and extremely damaging publicity , '' lawyer says . Prosecutors decide there is n't enough evidence for an `` attempting to procure murder '' charge . " Comment: The prosecution decided that they did not have sufficient evidence against him so he was released on bail pending further investigation into the case.