Police have dropped charges against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd due to lack of evidence. The rocker was accused of hiring a hitman to kill two men in New Zealand, where he lives.

According to The New Zealand Herald, the alleged "hitman" -- a friend of Rudd's, who says he's just a "family man" -- is pleased the charges have been dismissed, and doesn't blame the police, saying that they were just doing their job.

However, Rudd's lawyer, Paul Mabey, said that the charges "should never have been laid." He continued, "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."

Rudd is still charged with threatening to kill someone and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. He is out on bail and will return to court on November 27. He faces seven years in jail, if he is convicted of the threat.