Bauhaus singer Peter Murphy has pleaded not guilty to charges of hit-and-run, driving under the influence of drugs and drugs possession.

He was arrested in Glendale, California, at the weekend, following an incident in which he’s alleged to have injured another motorist while driving, then fleeing the scene. He was followed by an eyewitness, who used his own vehicle to block any further escape, telling Glendale Police Department that “he was afraid he would kill someone with his driving.”

The incident took place just before noon on Saturday. Murphy is accused of striking a car, driving round it and leaving the scene. The wounded driver was able to note his license plate number and another witness took a photo of his damaged vehicle.

The Glendale News Press reports officers describing the singer as “very confused,” having difficulty recalling the day and time. He admitted to having taken his prescription pills for depression and to feeling jet-lagged after a flight.

Investigators found a bag believed to contain crystal meth in the police car where Murphy had been held. He denied ownership.

Bail was set at $500,000 on Monday as he was considered a flight risk. But a judge allowed him to be released on his own recognition after entering his not guilty plea on Tuesday. His lawyer, Robert Wilson, argued that keeping him in jail would have disrupted his upcoming tour commitments to many businesses. He’ll return to court on May 17 for a pretrial hearing.

Goth rock pioneers Bauhaus formed in 1978 and were active until 1983. They regrouped in 1998 then again in 2005 before splitting three years later. Murphy, who recently released a solo album entitled Ninth, embarks on a tour celebrating 35 years of Bauhaus on April 22, with five UK dates taking place between June 14 and 19.