R.E.M. star faces court hearing

LONDON, England -- Peter Buck, guitarist with rock group R.E.M., has been ordered to appear in court on charges relating to an alleged air-rage incident.

Buck appeared briefly at Uxbridge Magistrates Court in west London on Monday and was told to attend Isleworth Crown Court on July 31 for a plea and directions hearing.

Buck, who was dressed in a pinstripe suit and dark tie, appeared in court with his wife. He was freed on £20,000 ($28,000) bail, said The Associated Press.

Buck, 44, 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 Georgia band traveled to Britain to promote the album "Reveal" and perform at a Nelson Mandela tribute concert in London's Trafalgar Square.