Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine must reportedly pay his former manager over $1million in a new legal settlement.
In court documents seen by Rolling Stone, Mustaine is set to pay Cory Brennan over $1.4million (£1.1million). This comes as Brennan’s company 5B Artist Management alleged that Mustaine “unexpectedly and unceremoniously terminated [5B], stating no reason for the termination.” Up until their termination, 5B had managed the legendary thrash metal band since 2014, and currently manages Slipknot, Lamb of God, and other metal heavyweights.
In the complaint, 5B suggested that Mustaine wished for his son to manage him, further claiming that the singer, songwriter and guitarist did not pay them for several commissions on over 40 tour dates and merchandise. “The letter also wrongly asserted that, from its date forward, [5B] would have no right to collect any commissions in connection with the products released and contracts entered into or substantially negotiated before the termination,” the complaint said.
Now, Mustaine has reportedly agreed to pay the $1.4million sum to 5B, with attorney Howard King telling Rolling Stone: “Dave Mustaine, who has a known history of firing advisors, terminated 5B Artist Management after nine years of their having resurrected his failing career.
“Ignoring the success 5B had helped Dave achieve, including a campaign to help him win his first Grammy, the release of two hit albums, and the elevation of his touring from small clubs back to arenas and amphitheaters, Dave simply refused to pay commissions owing and forced 5B to file a lawsuit. While displeased at having to sue an artist, 5B is gratified that Dave has now agreed to have judgment entered against him for $1.4m in commissions he will have to pay.”
Meanwhile, Mustaine filed his own countersuit against 5B last October, where he claimed breach of contract, fiduciary duty and negligence, amongst other allegations. The countersuit seeks unspecified damages.
In the countersuit, Mustaine alleged that when Megadeth opened for Slipknot on a tour, 5B declined to adjust Slipknot’s production so Megadeth’s drum kit wouldn’t be so close to the frontman. Mustaine claimed that he suffers tinnitus now due to the failure.
The complaint also alleges that 5B “continued to act to [Megadeth’s] detriment, approving donations from merchandise sales to Covid relief organisations without Mustaine’s knowledge or approval,” and that 5B reportedly failed to gain Mustaine’s royalties from Metallica, who he performed with before Megadeth.
“In 2017, Mustaine informed [5B] that he intended to pursue his interest in songwriting credit and royalties for songs that he wrote or co-wrote as a member of Metallica, and for which he was owed royalties,” the complaint read. “[5B] participated in discussions with Mustaine regarding these credits and royalties and were aware that they were responsible for pursuing this matter to ensure that Mustaine was appropriately credited and compensated for his work, they failed to do so.”
Megadeth and Mustaine did not respond to Rolling Stone for comment, whilst 5B Artist Management declined to comment.