Prosecutors abruptly drop murder-for-hire charges against AC/DC drummer

UPDATE: New Zealand prosecutors on Friday dropped the murder-for-hire charges against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd. A spokesperson told The Associated Press that the charge has been dropped due to issues with the sufficiency of the evidence.

Just a day earlier, Rudd had been charged with attempting to have two men killed. Rudd, 60, appeared at Tauranga District Court in New Zealand on Thursday and faced charges of attempting to procure the murder of two men. Rudd, 60, entered no plea when he appeared in court and was released on bail.

Ruddo faces charges of threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, according to the Associated Press.

AC/DC released a statement regarding Rudd's arrest to ABC News, saying, "We've only become aware of Phil's arrest as the news was breaking," the band stated. "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."

AC/DC is a seminal rock band with hit best-selling albums including "Back in Black" and "Highway to Hell." Rudd drummed for the band AC/DC from 1975-1983 until he was replaced. Rudd rejoined the band in 1993, and was with them during the groups Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2003. The band is set to release a new album and planned to tour next year.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.