NASHVILLE (CN) - Mötley Crüe lead singer Vince Neil's longtime manager has sued the band's manager, claiming he persuaded Neil to breach a management agreement that was to run until 2012. Neil's ex-manager, Burton Stein, claims Allen Kovac has been trying to squeeze him out since 2004.
Stein and his company, of B Entertainment, claim they cut a deal with Kovac in 1996, when the band decided to reunite. Kovac, who manages the heavy metal band through his defendant company Tenth Street Entertainment, has worked with the band's guitar player, Mick Mars, and bass player, Nikkie Sixx, for years. Stein says that Kovac has been pressuring Neil to get rid of Stein since 2004.
But Stein says Neil renewed his exclusive management with him in April 2007, promising him 15 percent of his gross compensation.
In March this year, the band cut a multi-million dollar deal to tour with Live Nation, but Stein says he has not seen his share of the money. He says Kovac's lawyer sent him a letter attempting to terminate his agreement with Neil.
Stein's federal complaint claims that he never received a reply to letter he sent through his attorney, which began: "As you apparently were not aware for some reason the ... agreement has a term of five (5) years."
Stein claims that Neil still wants him to work as his manager. He seeks declaratory judgment validating the 2007 management agreement and commissions owed. He demands damages for breach of contract, and tortious interference.
He is represented by Samuel Lipshie and Colin Carnahan with Boult, Cummings, Conners & Berry.
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