AC/DC Rudd must wait for trial

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd faces a delay in his trial for threatening to kill and drugs possession after changing lawyers.

He faces up to seven years in jail if found guilty of the charges that were laid against him in November.

The 60-year-old was set to appear in Tauranga District Court on February 10, but it’s been delayed until April 21 after Paul Mabey QC withdrew as the drummer’s counsel. He’s been replaced by Craig Tuck in what Mabey describes as “just a professional decision we have made.”

His trial will be held before a judge only, with no jury present.

Rudd’s position in AC/DC remains in doubt – the band play at the Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday, but the terms of his bail made it impossible for him to appear.

It’s thought he’s been replaced by former sticksman Chris Slade, although Rudd vowed in December that he’d be part of the band when they launch their Rock Or Bust world tour.

Meanwhile, the Aussie giants want 150 US fans to appear in a video they’ll shoot in LA on February 10.

AC/DC UK and Ireland dates

Jun 28: Glasgow Hampden Park

Jul 01: Dublin Aviva Stadium

Jul 04: London Wembley Stadium

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.