Guess Who Reunion Tour Sparks Legal Battle with Former Bandmates
The lead singer and guitarist of the iconic classic rock band the Guess Who have reunited for their Takin’ It Back tour after years apart. The other members of the band, drummer Garry Peterson and bassist James Kale, have filed a lawsuit against BMI, a performing rights management firm, claiming they suffered significant financial losses due to lead singer Burton Cummings terminating their performing rights agreement abruptly. This move by Cummings was in response to Peterson and Kale planning shows with a different singer and guitarist, which he deemed as "fake bull**** shows."
Peterson and Kale, along with booking company BiCoastal Productions, had been preparing for a U.S. tour when they were informed by BMI that Cummings had terminated his affiliation agreement with the organization immediately. This led to the cancellation of their show that night and all subsequent tour dates. The lawsuit argues that BMI misinterpreted the termination's effective date and that the agreement should have remained in effect during a notice period that had not yet expired.
The legal action accuses BMI of breach of fiduciary duty, negligent misrepresentation, intentional interference with contractual relations, and fraud. It seeks compensatory damages estimated at several million dollars, as well as punitive damages for what is described as BMI's "willful, oppressive, fraudulent, and malicious" behavior. The plaintiffs emphasize the impact on not just themselves but also on BiCoastal Productions, venues, and promoters who suffered financial losses due to the abrupt cancellations.
Following the cancellation of their tour, Peterson and Kale settled with Cummings and guitarist Randy Bachman over the rights to the Guess Who name. Cummings expressed relief that the issue was resolved and looked forward to performing with his band in the U.S. again. The reunited Guess Who, consisting of Cummings and Bachman, kicked off their Takin’ It Back Tour at the OLG Stage of the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, with Cummings expressing excitement about reconnecting with fans on the road.