AC/DC’s Phil Rudd Discusses Criminal Charges: ‘We All Make Mistakes’
AC/DC’s sidelined drummer Phil Rudd has spoken publicly about the bizarre assault and drug charges which could land him in jail and put an end to his rock ‘n’ roll career.
Speaking with Australia’s A Current Affair, Rudd admitted he’s had no correspondence with his former bandmates since his brush with the law. And he’s not holding out hope of rejoining the group anytime soon. “I wrote them a letter and tried to get in touch with Angus (Young). I’ve had no contact from anybody,” he told the free-to-air Channel Nine program.
Rudd pleaded guilty to threatening to kill, possession of methamphetamine and possession of cannabis in the Tauranga District Court, New Zealand, last month. He had pleaded not guilty to those charges in December, when it was alleged he had threatened to kill a man who had been in his employment for three years. The maximum sentence for threatening to kill is seven years in jail.
Rudd, who appeared every bit as scruffy for Australian TV as he had for his earlier courthouse photos, suggested his failed 2014 solo album Head Job was the spark behind his ill-judged death-threat. “I’ve seen the error in my ways,” he admitted. “It’s onward and upward from here.”
The veteran drummer’s case has been adjourned until June 26. A contrite Rudd says he’s keen to see his case discharged without conviction. And of the incident itself, “It was a mistake. We all make mistakes.”
AC/DC played two high-octane shows at Coachella last month as a warm-up for the rockers’ global tour, which started overnight in the Netherlands. Former drummer Chris Slade got the call to replace Rudd for all the shows, which come in support of the latest album Rock Or Bust.
When pressed on his chances of returning to the fold on this tour, he offered: “It’s not up to me, it’s up to Angus. It’s Angus’ call.”
