AC/DC won't fire Phil Rudd

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AC/DC won't fire Phil Rudd

Rocker Angus Young says Phil Rudd won't be fired from AC/DC.

The 59-year-old guitarist has suggested that Phil - who was arrested last month - would still be a part of the hard rock band, although he wouldn't take part in their upcoming tour to promote the group's new album 'Rock or Bust'.

Rudd, 60, was originally charged with attempting to procure a murder, making threats to kill and possession of illegal substances on November 6.

The charge of attempted murder was eventually dropped due to insufficient evidence, although the drummer still faces the remainder of the charges and remains on bail until November 27.

Speaking to US radio host Howard Stern, Angus said: ''I don't think we need to do any firing. The situation will take care of itself. He has gotten himself into a pickle. There is nothing we can do about it.''

Insisting the band will tour with a replacement sticksman, he added: ''We are talking about criminal charges here. We are talking about judges, we are talking about juries. We are going to go on tour. Nothing is going to stop us. In the past we have had good drummers who have worked with us.''

Recalling the moment he saw his bandmate being led away by the police, AC/DC's singer Brian Johnson added: ''My wife woke me up and said, 'Phil's been up to no good.' Someone said, 'Who was he trying to hit?' It was his drug dealer.

''There was this guy getting led out of a car with no shoes on looking like he was f***ing drugged and his head was on backwards.''

AC/DC were further shaken this year when rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young - Angus' older brother - had to be admitted to a care home after developing dementia.