Date set for AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd's trial in New Zealand

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd will stand trial in April on charges of threatening to kill and drug possession, court officials in New Zealand ruled today.

Rudd, 60, will face a judge-alone trial in the Tauranga District Court beginning on April 21, officials said.

The veteran rocker has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stem from a police raid on his waterfront North Island mansion on November 6.

He was also initially charged with "attempting to procure murder", but it was dropped after prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

The case has left Rudd's position with the top-selling band in doubt, with drummer Chris Slade replacing him for today's performance at the Grammys in Los Angeles.

Slade said on Facebook that he was also playing in the upcoming "Rock or Bust" world tour, although Rudd said last year that he wanted to keep his job.

A summary of facts released by prosecutors last year alleged that Rudd threatened to kill a man and his daughter in a phone call in September.

He also allegedly called a business associate and detailed what he wanted done to the man.

The document alleged that when police raided Rudd's home they found 0.71g of methamphetamine and 130g of cannabis.

Threatening to kill charges carry a maximum jail term of seven years in New Zealand.

Australian-born Rudd, who has lived in the North Coast seaside town of Tauranga since 1983, is free on bail ahead of the trial.