AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd will stand trial next year on charges of threatening to kill four people and possession of drugs, a New Zealand judge has ruled.

Rudd wasn’t present at the court hearing in Tauranga where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. It is likely that he will face a judge-only trial with no separate jury. Judge Tom Ingram said that a ruling will be made in February.

Rudd’s status as part of AC/DC remains in doubt, with his bandmates insisting that they will tour next year regardless of the outcome of the trial. Frontman Brian Johnson said recently: “I don’t think we have to do anything – fire him or anything. I think the situation is going to take care of itself.”

Rudd was recently replaced by Bob Richards of blues rockers Buck and Evans for two video shoots in London. AC/DC released their latest album, Rock Or Bust, yesterday.

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