Pontiac After nearly six hours of mediation Tuesday, the Detroit-based rock band The Romantics reached an agreement with a former bandmate, averting an Oakland County Circuit Court trial scheduled to begin this week that would have opened up tax and business records, personal bankruptcy and, perhaps, the seamier side of the recording industry. The Romantics, who performed in Detroit this summer, have recorded five albums and had a string of international hits in the 1980s fans still dance to today, including What I Like About You and Talking In Your Sleep. George Coz Canler, a former lead guitarist with the band from 1980 to 2011, sued two years ago, claiming he was cheated out of royalties from recordings that went to Master Beat, an entity created by the band to share profits. Band members countered saying
The Romantics, who performed in Detroit this summer, have recorded five albums and had a string of international hits in the 1980s fans still dance to today, including What I Like About You and Talking In Your Sleep. George Coz Canler, a former lead guitarist with the band from 1980 to 2011, sued two years ago, claiming he was cheated out of royalties from recordings that went to Master Beat, an entity created by the band to share profits. Band members countered saying
George Coz Canler, a former lead guitarist with the band from 1980 to 2011, sued two years ago, claiming he was cheated out of royalties from recordings that went to Master Beat, an entity created by the band to share profits. Band members countered saying Canler, who lives in Florida, was not entitled to monies from songs he neither wrote nor performed on, including What I Like About You, recorded in 1979. In an agreement put Tuesday before Judge Wendy Potts, in exchange for
In an agreement put Tuesday before Judge Wendy Potts, in exchange for Canler relinquishing a 25 percent share in Master Beat, he will be paid $50,000 within 14 days and $20,000 annually for the next four years for a total of $130,000. He also will receive 15 percent of all future royalties due for songs he either wrote or performed.
I have learned a lot about the recording industry today, said Potts, who met with both sides separately throughout the day. I think your music was great, and it continues to be great.
Earlier in the day, Potts encouraged lawyers and their clients to resolve the lawsuit before they lost control in a lengthy and potentially costly jury trial. After accepting the agreement, the judge was given a signed CD from band members.
Attorney Sharon Almonrode represents two current band members, Walter Palamarchuk, a co-founder, guitarist, songwriter and vocalist who lives in Birmingham and Michael Skill, vocalist, guitarist and songwriter who lives in Happy Valley, Ore. She said the agreement should not be misinterpreted by anyone.