AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd pleads not guilty to charges

The AC/DC band drummer Phil Rudd has pleaded not guilty to the charges of threatening to kill and possession of drugs in a New Zealand court.
Phil, 60, was excused from the court as his lawyer Paul Mabey entered the plea on his behalf, reported the New Zealand Herald.
Phil was charged last month with attempting to procure the murder of two men and he was arrested on November 5. He was bailed out and the charges were withdrawn a day after due to the lack of evidence.
Judge Tom Ingram said the matter is likely to be heard at a trial next year. Phil remains on bail and his case will be recalled again next year. A case review will be held at the Tauranga District Court on February 10.

AC/DC released its first album - "Rock or Burst" in more than five years on Monday but Phil does not appear in the photos, prompting speculation that he is no longer a part of the group.
The drummer left AC/DC in 1983 but rejoined in 1994.