In the U2 section there was a lot of discussion as to what Larry would be entitled to if he left the band. I find this very interesting as it has to do with what happens when a member of a big band retires. I also find it interesting from a business sense as about a decade ago a company I co-founded had a bunch of inner turmoil, with one of the principals trying to get 2 other principals out (there were 5 principals in total).
Here is the Coles Notes version of what's going on. Motley Crue are a veteran hard rock band that isn't active as a recording artist but just co-headlined a stadium tour with Def Leppard last year that grossed $174 million. They are back doing a stadium tour of South America and Europe this year. After lasts years tour guitarist Mick Mars, who is a decade older than the rest of the band and has a muscular disease he's been fighting for ages, released a statement that he's retiring from touring but will still be involved in albums. The band then released a statement saying he was retired from the band. Yesterday Mars filed a lawsuit against the band.
Mick Mars
- claims he only wanted to retire from touring but still be involved in other aspects of the band including recording
- claims that the band has many registered companies and wants a full investigation to what the real numbers are
- claims the band has been putting down his playing for a long time and trying to make him a scapegoat, but he can still play all the songs
- claims that the band has offered him a severance of 7.5% from this tour instead of his regular 25% and nothing from further tours. He will still receive payment for any merchandise with his image but nothing from any other merch.
- claims that there is multiple similar scenarios from other bands where a member leaves but still holds his shares
- claims that the band on the last tour were piping in taped parts, which he didn't want to do.
Motley Crue
- claim that once he retired from touring, he retired from the band. As they do not record anymore there is no other aspects other than touring
- claim that if he doesn't tour, he should not be entitled to be part of the band and shouldn't be a shareholder. They claim that in 2009 they all signed a document that if they retire they give up their shares.
- claim that they offered a fair severance and that Mars had taken millions in advances that he never paid back
- claim that his playing was a liability. He was missing cues, playing the wrong notes, etc.. They have written statements from 7 tour personal that his playing was below standard.
- claim this is all driven by greed from his lawyer and manager and that they still love him