Dave Mustaine of Megadeth Agrees to Over $1 Million Settlement With Former Manager
Megadeth’s frontman, Dave Mustaine, is reportedly required to pay his former manager over $1 million as part of a new legal settlement.
According to court documents, Mustaine has agreed to a settlement of over $1.4 million (£1.1 million) to Cory Brennan. Brennan’s company, 5B Artist Management, claimed that Mustaine “abruptly and without explanation” terminated their services. 5B had managed Megadeth since 2014 and currently represents other major metal acts, including Slipknot and Lamb of God.
In its complaint, 5B Artist Management alleged that Mustaine intended for his son to take over as his manager and also claimed that Mustaine withheld commission payments for over 40 tour dates and merchandise sales. They further stated that the termination letter falsely claimed 5B had no right to collect commissions on products released or contracts negotiated before their termination.
Mustaine has now reportedly agreed to pay the $1.4 million settlement to 5B. Attorney Howard King told Rolling Stone that Mustaine, who has a known pattern of dismissing advisors, ended 5B’s management services after nine years, despite the agency’s role in revitalizing his career.
5B Artist Management highlighted that, despite the successes they helped Mustaine achieve—such as a campaign that led to his first Grammy win, the release of two successful albums, and elevating his live performances from small venues back to major arenas and amphitheaters—he refused to pay owed commissions, forcing them to file a lawsuit. While 5B expressed regret over having to take legal action, they acknowledged their satisfaction with Mustaine’s agreement to a $1.4 million judgment in unpaid commissions.
In response, Mustaine filed a countersuit last October, alleging breach of contract, fiduciary duty, and negligence by 5B, among other claims. His countersuit seeks unspecified damages. One claim in the countersuit alleges that when Megadeth opened for Slipknot on tour, 5B refused to adjust Slipknot’s stage setup, forcing Megadeth’s drum kit uncomfortably close to Mustaine, which he claimed contributed to his tinnitus.
Additionally, the countersuit accuses 5B of acting against Megadeth’s interests by approving donations from merchandise sales to COVID-19 relief organizations without Mustaine’s approval and by failing to secure royalties he claimed were owed by Metallica, his previous band. According to the complaint, Mustaine informed 5B in 2017 that he intended to pursue songwriting credits and royalties for his contributions to Metallica’s music. Though 5B was reportedly involved in these discussions and aware of their responsibility to pursue these claims, they allegedly did not follow through.
Megadeth and Mustaine declined to comment to Rolling Stone, while 5B Artist Management also chose not to respond.
–Silviya.Y
