The procuring-murder charge against AC/DC's Phil Rudd has been dropped. According to Stuff.co.nz, the 60-year-old drummer still faces a charge of threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis stemming from his arrest yesterday.

Rudd was arrested yesterday on charges that he allegedly tried to hire someone to murder two people. He was initially charged with attempting to procure a murder, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis and threatening to kill. He was released on bail and due back in court in three weeks.

But now the major charge against him has been withdrawn. "The decision to charge Mr. Rudd was made by the New Zealand Police without consultation with the Tauranga Crown solicitor," Rudd's lawyer, Paul Mabey, said. After a meeting with police, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to justify the charge.

Mabey also said that the drug possession charges are "minor." "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," he added.

Earlier today, AC/DC released a statement that read, “We’ve only become aware of Phil’s arrest as the news was breaking. 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.”

You Think You Know AC/DC?

More From Ultimate Classic Rock