R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck pleaded not guilty today (July 31) to assault and other charges stemming from an alleged air rage incident during a flight to Britain in April. Buck, 44, made a brief appearance at Isleworth Crown Court in West London and was ordered to reappear for trial on Nov. 12. He was released on bail of approximately U.S. $29,000. Buck’s wife, Stephanie, accompanied him to the hearing.
Buck is accused of assaulting two British Airways staff members, using threatening behavior, being drunk on board an aircraft, and causing criminal damage during a flight from Seattle to London on April 21.
The alleged incident occurred as the pioneering modern rock band traveled to Britain to promote its Warner Bros. album “Reveal,” and perform at a Nelson Mandela tribute concert in London’s Trafalgar Square. Buck was released shortly after his arrest and was cleared to continue the tour.
The guitarist refused to comment further on today’s developments.
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