AC/DC have announced two New Zealand tour dates but Tauranga-based drummer Phil Rudd will not be playing with the band. Tour manager Garry Van Egmond confirmed Rudd would not be playing in any of the New Zealand concerts. Drummer Chris Slade will be behind the kit.

He told Bay of Plenty Times: "Chris Slade will be on drums - he replaced Phil when he left the band some years back and he has been playing in the Rock Or Bust tour worldwide."

As to whether Rudd had permanently left AC/DC, Van Egmond said he could not answer that and did not know the answer. He said there was: "no confirmation that Phil has left the band permanently". "All I can say is that Phill will not be playing in the New Zealand concerts."

The two New Zealand dates are December 12th at Westpac Stadium in Wellington and December 15th at Western Springs in Auckland. Tickets will be on sale from midday June 22nd for $169.90.

Rudd in April pleaded guilty to charges of drug possession and one charge of threatening to kill. A second threatening to kill charge was dropped. The drummer was due to be sentenced on June 26th after pleading guilty to one count of threatening to kill, possession of methamphetamine and possession of cannabis. However, the 60-year-old's sentencing will now take place on July 9th.

Source:	nzherald.co.nz
Band profile:	AC/DC