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Charge dropped against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd

From Pamela Boykoff, CNN

Updated 1256 GMT (2056 HKT) November 7, 2014

Charge dropped against AC/DC drummer

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Charge dropped against AC/DC drummer 01:42

Story highlights

  • "Mr. Rudd has suffered unnecessary and extremely damaging publicity," lawyer says
  • Prosecutors decide there isn't enough evidence for an "attempting to procure murder" charge
  • The AC/DC drummer is still charged with drug possession, threatening to kill

A New Zealand police charge of "attempting to procure murder" against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been dropped, his lawyer said.

Rudd, the 60-year-old drummer for the legendary hard rock band, had been accused of trying to have two men killed. But the Crown Solicitor decided there wasn't enough evidence to justify it, attorney Paul Mabey said in a statement.

"The charge alleging an attempt to procure murder should never have been laid. The Crown Solicitor's opinion was not sought. The charge is now withdrawn, within 24 hours of Mr. Rudd's first appearance in court," Mabey said. "Mr. Rudd has suffered unnecessary and extremely damaging publicity as a result of widespread and sensational reporting of a very serious allegation, which on any basis was never justified."

Rudd still faces other charges, including threatening to kill, Mabey said.

"Mr. Rudd will defend the charge of threatening to kill. Charges relating to personal possession of drugs are minor," he said.

AC/DC recently announced that Malcolm Young, far left, will not be returning to the group. AC/DC has been one of the hardest-rocking -- and longest-lasting -- bands on the scene. The group formed in 1973 in Sydney, Australia. Here's a look back at the rockers through the years:
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
AC/DC recently announced that Malcolm Young, far left, will not be returning to the group. AC/DC has been one of the hardest-rocking -- and longest-lasting -- bands on the scene. The group formed in 1973 in Sydney, Australia. Here's a look back at the rockers through the years:
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – AC/DC recently announced that Malcolm Young, far left, will not be returning to the group. AC/DC has been one of the hardest-rocking -- and longest-lasting -- bands on the scene. The group formed in 1973 in Sydney, Australia. Here's a look back at the rockers through the years:
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The band hangs out with their manager Michael Browning, right, in 1976.
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – The band hangs out with their manager Michael Browning, right, in 1976.
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Angus Young sits on Bon Scott's shoulders while performing at the Town Hall in St. Albans, England, in 1976. Young is known for performing in a schoolboy uniform.
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – Angus Young sits on Bon Scott's shoulders while performing at the Town Hall in St. Albans, England, in 1976. Young is known for performing in a schoolboy uniform.
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AC/DC performs at the Kursaal Ballroom in England in 1977.
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – AC/DC performs at the Kursaal Ballroom in England in 1977.
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Left to right: Phillip Rudd, Angus Young, Mark Evans, Malcolm Young and Bon Scott pose for a photo in 1977. Scott, who was the lead singer of the band in the '70s, died in 1980.
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – Left to right: Phillip Rudd, Angus Young, Mark Evans, Malcolm Young and Bon Scott pose for a photo in 1977. Scott, who was the lead singer of the band in the '70s, died in 1980.
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Angus Young performs in Chicago in 1979.
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – Angus Young performs in Chicago in 1979.
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Devoted fans wait in the cold and snow to buy tickets for AC/DC's Denver show in 1982.
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – Devoted fans wait in the cold and snow to buy tickets for AC/DC's Denver show in 1982.
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The band poses for a photo at a bar in Rhode Island in 1985.
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – The band poses for a photo at a bar in Rhode Island in 1985.
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AC/DC performs at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, in 1986.
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Aussie rock legends AC/DC – AC/DC performs at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, in 1986.
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Brian Johnson and Angus Young perform in Leiden, Netherlands, in 1991. Johnson took over as lead singer and sang on AC/DC's biggest hits, including "Back in Black" and "You Shook Me All Night Long."
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – Brian Johnson and Angus Young perform in Leiden, Netherlands, in 1991. Johnson took over as lead singer and sang on AC/DC's biggest hits, including "Back in Black" and "You Shook Me All Night Long."
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The "Hells Bells" bell is seen on stage at an AC/DC concert in 2000.
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – The "Hells Bells" bell is seen on stage at an AC/DC concert in 2000.
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Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, center, poses with AC/DC at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2003.
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Aussie rock legends AC/DC – Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, center, poses with AC/DC at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2003.
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The band shoots the video for their song "Rock 'n' Roll Train" in London in 2008. The group's 2008 album "Black Ice" was the second-biggest album of the year, with 6 million sold.
Photos: Aussie rock legends AC/DC 14 photos
Aussie rock legends AC/DC – The band shoots the video for their song "Rock 'n' Roll Train" in London in 2008. The group's 2008 album "Black Ice" was the second-biggest album of the year, with 6 million sold.
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Angus Young performs with the band onstage in Melbourne in 2010.
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Aussie rock legends AC/DC – Angus Young performs with the band onstage in Melbourne in 2010.
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EXPAND GALLERY

Police searched Rudd's waterfront home in Tauranga on Thursday morning, TVNZ reported.

The Australian-born drummer moved to New Zealand in 1983, after being sacked by the group. He rejoined the band years later.

AC/DC is one of the world's biggest-selling musical acts, and in 2003 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The band's latest album, "Rock or Bust," is scheduled for release December 2.

In a statement Thursday, the band said Rudd's absence wouldn't affect the album's release or a tour scheduled for next year.

"We've only become aware of Phil's arrest as the news was breaking," the statement said. "We have no further comment."

AC/DC's Malcolm Young leaving band