Updating our story out of New Zealand from yesterday regarding AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd: The charges of attempting to procure a murder have been dropped due to insufficient evidence. This is great news for the legendary sticks man, as a conviction would have meant up to 10 years in prison. Rudd still faces charges of threatening to kill and possession of small amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Rudd was allegedly attempting to hire a hitman to eliminate two men, but no further details have been released. Police raided the drummer’s home in the early morning hours of November 6th searching for evidence of the alleged plot. During the course of the search, the drugs were seized.

No word yet on whether or not Rudd will rejoin AC/DC as they start an extensive world tour next year in support of their upcoming album Rock or Bust, which releases worldwide on December 2, 2014. For their part, the band had issued a statement earlier in the day, prior to the announcement of the most serious charge being dropped which read:

“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.”

[Source: Stuff.co.nz via Blabbermouth]