Just when you thought the feud between ex-Van Halen lead singer David Lee Roth and the rest of the band was over — now comes a lawsuit.
David Lee Roth filed papers in a Los Angeles Superior Court claiming that Van Halen members Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, and Michael Anthony owe him royalties.
Roth contends that the band signed a deal with Warner Bros. Records in 1996 that increased their royalties from the years 1977-1996, the years that Roth was lead singer for the band, but didn’t include him in the payoff.
Roth is demanding a review of Van Halen’s royalties since he left the band in 1996. He is also seeking compensatory, exemplary and punitive damages and legal fees.
“This is not the first case — and probably not the last case — to examine entertainment industry financial and accounting practices,” said Roth’s attorney, Daniel Hogue, in a statement. “Until the defendants’ financial records have been produced and reviewed, we will have no further comment.”
