The rock legends maintain that the news won't affect the release of their new album 'Rock or Bust', maintaining that they were as surprised as anyone to hear the news that Rudd had been arrested on drugs charges and "attempts to procure a murder".
As has been widely reported today, 60-year-old drummer Rudd was arrested on suspicion of planning to have two unidentified men killed, as well as possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, and making threats to kill.
Rudd was released on bail and is due back in the courts for a hearing on November 27th and faces a sentence of up to ten years if found guilty.
The other members of AC/DC issued a statement on Rudd's arrest to Rolling Stone, which says: "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."
'Rock or Bust' is the first new AC/DC album in six years and the ensuing tour will have to cope with Rudd's presumed absence, as well as that of guitarist Malcolm Young who's career in the band was ended when he was diagnosed with suffering from dementia.
Rudd has had two spells behind the Australian band's drum kit, from 1975 to 1983 and more recently from 1994 to today.
