General Music Chat

I'm getting ready to sue my former band!

To try and make a long story short, Everyone in the band agreed to put our profits back into the band, with the understanding that we were building for next year...assuming that we were all going to be a part of it.

Unfortunately, the band "leader", with money in hand, managed to force me out, and sometime later dropped my brother-in-law from the line up as well. The other guitarist had already put in his resignation for the end of this year. That means there's one guy left, and he seems intent on keeping all the money (and band-purchased equipment) for himself.

I'm sending him a certified letter on Monday, apprising him of the situation and giving him ten days to respond (and attempt to resolve the issue). Knowing what a pompous ass he is, I'll have to take him to court.

What do y'all think?

lol I have to take someone to court for 1700$ on Dec 12th.


"Slam that fat ass all the way back to the cheap seats".

Shoulda had a contract, but I'd say you have a leg to stand on if the other band members are with you.

That sucks, man. I'm sorry to hear this crap, but it happens.

Yeah, my niavety bit me on the arse again, but there a few positives...

This band actually has a business license...I filled out tax information when I joined-and yet, never got a paycheck!
I have plenty of other folks backing me. Really, my bro-in-law should be enough. We've discussed the situation and found this to be our only alternative (He, of course, got shafted out of money, too).
I hate that it has to come down to this, but I figure I'm owed @$1000, and I can't stand the thought of that a-hole pocketing my share and walking around with his chest stuck out.

Moral of the story: NEVER have communal ownership of ANYTHING in a band. When you gig you all get paid your EQUAL share and each band member individually owns equipment.

What really sucks is that it will probably cost you more in legal fees than what you're originally owed.

Man I can relate. If you have a band checking account always have at least 2 or 3 members on it so as if one member wants to draw out money that their are checks and balances.

I'd be worried if our warchest held more than a hundert bucks



Kick his arse Joe !!

Unless your group is a legal non-profit group, don't have a kitty.Everyone should be getting a check and invest in their own equipment.

Moral of the story: NEVER have communal ownership of ANYTHING in a band. When you gig you all get paid your EQUAL share and each band member individually owns equipment.

Bands are like marriages. We tend to get emotionally invovled with them because it's our passion. The problem is when the band starts breaking up, just as when the marriage starts breaking up. Who gets what is always an issue. I try and stay awayfrom issues. It makes life easier.

I agree with Black57 that is the only way to do it.

What band is this? I may know the SOB, you are local for me. Perhaps I can help..


And I have a few musicians looking to work on original music, perhaps we should talk

Always buy your own gear. Never invest in equipment as a group. Period.

If the band needs a P.A. then one guy should purchase it.

Moral of the story: NEVER have communal ownership of ANYTHING in a band. When you gig you all get paid your EQUAL share and each band member individually owns equipment.

I couldnt agree more.

I am sorry to hear your story, Joseph.

Sad but true but it happens all the time.

Well, I think you learned the lesson.

Life is cruel, gives the test first then teh lesson.

Good luck.

Keep us posted.

Sometimes, a well placed tire iron fills in that gap between what is fair and what the law resolves "in the interest of justice".

Other times, a baseball bat is needed.