AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Charged With Attempting to "Procure Murder"

Musician released on bail, with one of the conditions being he mustn't have any contact with anyone involved in alleged murder plot

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was accused Thursday of trying to arrange two killings and possession of drugs.

Per NBC News, the 60-year-old musician made a brief appearance in Tauranga District Court in New Zealand and was charged with attempting to "procure murder," which carries a maximum 10-year prison term. Rudd was also charged, per the BBC, with possessing methamphetamine and cannabis.

Rudd was released on bail, with one of the conditions being that he must not have any contact with anyone involved in the alleged plot. According to local media reports, the alleged plot targeted two men. A judge ruled that that their names and the name of the alleged hit-man can not be revealed.

The Australia-born musician, who has yet to enter a plea, will appear in court again Nov. 27.

AC/DC's fifteenth studio album Rock or Bust is scheduled for a Nov. 28 release in Australia and Dec. 2 release elsewhere. The band had also announced plans to tour in 2015. Per NBC News, it's unclear whether Thursday's events will affect these plans.

There was some speculation last month over whether Rudd was still in the band because he didn't appear in a promotional photo the group released. He was also reportedly absent from the filming of a new AC/DC music video.

Rudd was kicked out of AC/DC in 1983 but rejoined in 1994.