Phil Rudd, drummer for the rock band AC/DC, stands in the dock in the High Court at Tauranga, New Zealand, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014. The 60-year-old is charged with threatening to kill, which comes with a maximum prison sentence of seven years, as well as possessing methamphetamine and marijuana. (AP Photo/New Zealand Herald, Alan Gibson) NEW ZEALAND OUT, AUSTRALIA OUT
November 25, 2014 - 5:25 PM
TAURANGA, New Zealand - AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd showed up late for a New Zealand court appearance and clowned around by jumping on the back of one of his security guards outside the courthouse.
Rudd didn't enter a plea during his brief appearance Wednesday.
The 60-year-old is charged with threatening to kill, which comes with a maximum prison sentence of seven years, as well as possessing methamphetamine and marijuana.
Citing a lack of evidence, prosecutors earlier dropped a more serious charge that alleged Rudd tried to hire a hit-man to kill two people.
The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported that during his appearance, Rudd winked at reporters, drummed a rhythm on the dock and then sped away from the courthouse in a black sports car.
Rudd's future with the popular Australian band remains uncertain.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014