AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd defends threatening to kill charge

Phil Rudd in the High Court in Tauranga during a previous appearance. Photo / Alan Gibson

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd is defending charges against him including one of threatening to kill.

The ageing rocker was absent from the dock at Tauranga District Court today, where he was to appear to face charges of threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

Rudd's lawyer, Paul Mabey QC, entered pleas on behalf of the 60-year-old last week.

Judge Tom Ingram said the matter would likely be heard at a judge alone trial next year.

He ordered continued suppression of the details of the threatening to kill complainant and three other witnesses.

Rudd was last month charged with attempting to procure the murders of two men but the Crown prosecutor withdrew the charge the following day.

A case review for Rudd will be held at the Tauranga District Court on February 10.