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Business News Legal
Former Go-Gos bassist sues ex-bandmates
By Chris Cooke | Published on Tuesday 28 May 2013
Former Go-Go’s bassist Kathy Valentine is suing her ex-bandmates, alleging that they are attempting to screw her out of her share of the money generated by the band’s brand and trademark.
The new wave group, initially active from 1978 to 1985, but who have toured regularly since 1999, announced they were parting ways with Valentine in March, and that she would therefore not appear on their 2013 tour.
In her litigation, Valentine says that all of the group’s business affairs have traditionally been managed via two business entities – Ladyhead LLC and Smith-Pocket Industries, Inc – in which all five members have an equal stake.
But recently, says the lawsuit, the rest of the Go-Gos – so Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey and Gina Schock – have set up a third entity, in which Valentine has no stake. Controlling 80% of Ladyhead LLC, the other four members have then licensed the rights to exploit the Go-Gos brand to the new company, GoGoGo Corp.
The move means that Valentine will only earn from the licence fee the new company pays the old one, while the rest of the group will also profit as shareholders in GoGoGo Corp.
It’s not clear if this restructuring of the group’s companies caused or is the result of Valentine’s departure from the outfit, though it’s clear there have been tensions between the bassist and her bandmates for a while.
Valentine’s lawsuit reckons that the restructuring of the Go-Go’s companies could cost her in excess of a million, and she wants the courts to undo the changes to protect her interests.
