AC/DC had problems with Phil Rudd while recording latest album

AC/DC members say they have not spoken to drummer Phil Rudd since he was charged with attempting to arrange a murder on November 6.

Angus Young said they had had “a few problems” with Phil Rudd while recording their latest album but his arrest “took everyone by surprise”.

“We haven’t had contact,” said Angus Young.

“He’s got himself in a pickle.”

Key charges were later dropped, but Phil Rudd still face charges of drugs possession and making threats to kill.

“We had a few issues before with him,” said Angus Young, speaking about Phil Rudd during an interview in New York to promote their album Rock or Bust.

“Even when we were recording it was hard even to get to him to do the recording.”

“And then he was supposed to show up to do promos with us, to do video shoots and a few other things, and he never showed up for that either.

“So, at this stage, it’s a pretty tough call for us.”

AC/DC is one of the highest grossing music acts of all time. Their best known hits include Highway to Hell and You Shook Me All Night Long.

Phil Rudd, now 60, was kicked out of the band in 1983 and rejoined in 1994. But his absence from a recent photo of band members prompted online speculation about whether he was still in the band.

New Zealand police had initially accused Phil Rudd of trying to arrange for a hitman to carry out two killings, but charges were dropped after 24 hours.

Under the current charges, Phil Rudd could face a maximum prison term of seven years for the charge of threatening to kill.

“He’s got to sort himself out I think,” said Angus Young, adding that the band remain “resolved to go forward”.

“At this point it’s kind of a question mark. But if we’re touring, there will be a drummer in place, put it that way.”

Angus Young, 59, is the only remaining original member of the band, after his brother, Malcolm, was diagnosed with dementia earlier this year.

The current line-up includes Cliff Williams, Brian Johnson and Angus Young’s nephew, Stevie.

Phil Rudd is due to appear in court in New Zealand on November 27.