AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd a "good fella" but "burnt bridges" AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd arrives at court in Tauranga yesterday. Pic: SunLive.co.nz Source: Supplied A MAN police claim was approached to kill two people by AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has described the rocker as a "good fella," but refused to discuss his links to the alleged murder plot. Rudd appeared in a New Zealand court yesterday afternoon on charges of attempting to procure the murders of two people, threatening to kill, and the possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. He was arrested following a police raid on his Tauranga harbourside home yesterday morning. ROCK SHOCK: Drummer "tried to arrange two murders" TRAGIC LOSS: Malcolm Young in care for dementia It caps a horror year for the world-conquering Australian band, whose founding guitarist Malcolm Young was forced to retire in September with dementia. The band are preparing to release their 16th studio album Rock or Bust later this month. And rumours of a rift with Rudd were sparked last month when the band published publicity photos without him. The previous month he had released his first solo album Head Job. Phil Rudd leaves Tauranga court yesterday. Pic: George Novak Source: News Corp Australia The man told the Bay of Plenty Times Rudd would often let him drive his cars - the latest Ferrari and Lamborghini models - as well as going for trips in his helicopter or going out fishing. Phil Rudd (right) with other members of AC/DC (from left) lead singer Brian Johnson, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams and Angus Young. In court, Rudd appeared exhausted as he stepped into the dock wearing a grey jersey and jeans. The 60-year-old did not seek name suppression but his lawyer, Tony Rickard-Simms, asked Judge Bidois to deny the media permission to film Rudd in court, arguing they simply wanted to get photos of him "at his worst." Rudd had been in police custody since 7am that morning, he said. Judge Bidois refused the request, but suppressed the names of the alleged intended victims and the alleged intended hitman. He was placed on bail at his home until his next appearance on November 27 and ordered not to have any contact with the three other men. Phil Rudd as he appeared in Tauranga court yesterday. The maximum penalty for procuring a murder is 10 years" imprisonment, while threatening to kill carries a maximum of seven years. The drummer refused to speak with gathered media as he pulled away from the courthouse in a late-model soft-top Mercedes, driven by a blonde woman who had watched the court proceedings from the public gallery. Rudd's defence lawyer, Paul Mabey QC, said he was not prepared to comment on the police allegations at this time. Ex-manager Michael Browning told Daily Mail Australia the charge was a "bit of a shock, but there you go." The current AC/DC management in Australia declined to comment on the charges last night. Rudd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 along with the other members of AC/DC. Phil Rudd (right) in AC/DC's early lineup including late frontman Bon Scott (second from left), Malcolm (left) and Angus Young (second from right), and Cliff Williams. Highs and lows on highway to hell He had set his sights on a music career in his teens and furthered his reputation as a serious player with the tough suburban rock outfit Buster Brown, fronted by ­future Rose Tattoo leader Angry Anderson. The pair had a falling out over money and, at 21, Rudd was working in a car wash and gigging with Lobby Loyde and the Coloured Balls when he found out AC/DC were looking for a drummer. He continued with the band until 1983, then quit after finishing recording his parts for their 1983 album Flick of The Switch. Phil Rudd mans the drum kit for AC/DC in a Hollywood concert in 1977. Pic: Getty Images Source: Supplied It later emerged that Rudd had a confrontation with rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young and had problems with alcohol and substance abuse. AC/DC's original manager Michael Browning noted in the book Dog Eat Dog that Rudd would smoke a "fair amount of pot" on the road during their early tours and also suffered from occasional anxiety attacks. Rudd moved to New Zealand, playing music for pleasure to keep his hand in as well as indulging his passion for motor racing. In 2010, Rudd pleaded guilty to cannabis possession in New Zealand. Rudd put out his debut solo record, Head Job, in August. Kathy McCabe Originally published as Hired hitman: AC/DC's Rudd "burnt bridges"