1955 – Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony is born in Chicago. Michael Anthony Sobolewski (born June 20, 1954) is an American musician. He is best known as the former bassist and a founding member of the hard rock band Van Halen. Anthony joined the band in 1974 and was their official recording and performing bassist […]
2006 – Grocery clerk Paul McPike sues Green Day, alleging he wrote their hit “American Idiot” way back in 1992. “It was just disbelief every time I heard it on the radio,” says McPike. A feeling very similar to what you’re experiencing reading this.
2006 – The Knack sue Run-D.M.C. for sampling their “My Sharona” on the hit “It’s Tricky.” Nothing unusual there, except that “It’s Tricky” was released two decades ago! Still… it is the principal of the thing.
2006 – California punk trio Supernova sue the makers of the CBS reality show Rock Star: Supernova, alleging their name has been unfairly appropriated for the singer-less Tommy Lee/Jason Newsted/Gilby Clarke combo.
2006 – A photographer sues Britney Spears, claiming that her mother ran over his foot with her SUV in 2004. Cullen Reavley claims he was struck after ambushing Britney, her mother, and sister Jamie Lynn Spears in a Santa Monica parking lot.
2005 – Former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell sues his ex-wife and one-time manager Susan J. Silver, seeking more than $1 million in damages. Cornell claims, among other things, that Silver diverted monies owed to Cornell to the other Soundgarden band members.
2005 – Megadeth lead singer Dave Mustaine sues his former bassist David Ellefson, alleging he used the name of the group without Mustaine’s permission.
2004 – Legendary rap duo Eric B & Rakim sue Russell Simmons and Def Jam Records, alleging they were never paid royalties from their classic 1987 LP, Paid in Full.
2003 – Chubby Checker, the ’60s rocker best known for “The Twist” and other variations on that theme, sues Aspex Eyewear, claiming they are using a soundalike singer in their TV commercials.
2003 – Jim Morrison’s parents sue the Doors 21st Century – made up of Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger and The Cult’s Ian Astbury – claiming their U.S. tour “maliciously misappropriated” the name and logo of the original Doors lineup.
2003 –Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson sues a Swedish newspaper, claiming they falsely reported she had suffered a second brain tumor.
2002 – David Lee Roth sues Van Halen, alleging his old band didn’t include him in a 1996 renegotiation of their contract with Warner Bros. Abuse, Abuse and abuse! Can’t we all just get along!
