George Porter Jr & band-PBS being sued - Need Our Help

Ampig · #1 05-29-2011, 12:22 PM

Check out this link SAVE PBS - Porter Batiste Stoltz - Relief Coalition
If you've ever seen this band, you know they were funk on fire. Cream meets Sly. I doubt that they ever made near the money they're being sued for. The situation is ridiculous. Just another example of musicians being screwed by their management. I've met George and the band many times and they are great warm people. I've also watched them unload and pack up their own equipment at shows. Not exactly the sign of a band rolling in cash. GP Jr is a living legend and doesn't deserve this type of treatment at this point in his long, influential and grueling career.

One Drop · #2 05-30-2011, 04:25 AM

Thanks for the heads up- just chipped in 20 smackers.

**ShoeManiac** · #3 05-30-2011, 08:05 AM

***?!?!

And all this after I saw George Porter Jr on Treme on HBO last night.

Mojo-Man · #4 05-30-2011, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShoeManiac

***?!?!

And all this after I saw George Porter Jr on Treme on HBO last night.

I seen this too, George was rocking.
Strange about PBS, hope this works out.
Will send donation.

Phil Smith · #5 05-30-2011, 12:50 PM

Where's the link to the lawsuit? Shouldn't people know what they are donating for and fighting against?

faivy · #6 05-30-2011, 02:12 PM

I'd be happy to help out and it seems unlikely as a scam but I'd still like some proof other than the web site.

faivy · #7 05-30-2011, 02:27 PM

I did find this...It is Legit.
A Benefit for the Other PBS Tonight :: OffBeat :: Louisiana and New Orleans Online Music Resource

vin*tone · #8 05-31-2011, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Smith

Where's the link to the lawsuit? Shouldn't people know what they are donating for and fighting against?

I agree. Love George, love his work. I'd like to know more about why they're being rolled.

One Drop · #9 05-31-2011, 07:47 AM

On the site there is a person to contact via email for more information. I'm sure he'll give you all the details necessary.

Stick_Player · #10 05-31-2011, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by One Drop

On the site there is a person to contact via email for more information. I'm sure he'll give you all the details necessary.

The details should be posted along with the plea.

Fair 'n Balanced, ya know?

countrybass007 · #11 05-31-2011, 08:13 AM

This reminds me of all the problems The Turtles had with management, law suits and all. The big down side of the music industry is often management.

Tampabass · #12 05-31-2011, 08:18 AM

Yes, it's legit, yes it's happening. Regardless of WHY the former mgr is suing, ya gotta ask: Who in their right mind believes that PBS had or would have earning potential anywhere near $500k?

Does Stepanian have PBS confused with Pearl Jam?

Shame on him for "going after the musicians’ homes, publishing and life works, including George’s share of the Meters catalog and Brian’s writers income from his days with the Nevilles," as Offbeat reports.

Looks to me like a textbook case of an unscrupulous businessman openly attempting to rip off musicians.

GreggBummer · #13 05-31-2011, 08:44 AM

When you sue someone... you go big or go home. $500k is like an asking price, you rarely get it in the judgment. Most of these things are settled out of court. No one wants to lose.

That doesn't mean it won't hurt PBS.

Getting sued is part of doing business. It's terrible... but it is reality.

All of you young musicians out there... take note... don't just take music courses, take some business courses in college as well. Knowledge is power.

bassramos · #14 05-31-2011, 09:02 AM

We need to stand up and help him!

Ampig · #15 05-31-2011, 09:33 AM

I've made a donation..........

JAUQO III-X · #16 05-31-2011, 09:47 AM

Here's a nice read about the reality of music really being about business.

Q&A With George Porter, Jr. of The Meters - Denver Music - Backbeat

Tampabass · #17 06-01-2011, 07:43 AM

from Brian Stoltz's Facebook page:
Brian Stoltz
FACTS: PBS has operated "debt-free" since 1999. Their ex-management is suing the band claiming they owe $600,000, but have yet to produce one receipt or any proof of accounting. The lawsuit is going after Brian & George's Homes, Publishing Royalties and life's work.Their ex-management has gained control of all PBS income streams and released 25 un-approved Live Albums in which the band has never been paid for.

Also, column in Daily Kos on all this: Daily Kos: Save PBS... No, Not that One...

GrooveWarrior · #18 06-01-2011, 07:58 AM

I love GPJr, but I don't see where it says what they are being sued for. We don't know, maybe it is a legit lawsuit. Sometimes breech of contract is breech of contract.

Ampig · #19 06-01-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

I love GPJr, but I don't see where it says what they are being sued for.

See above

TC2112 · #20 06-01-2011, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tampabass

from Brian Stoltz's Facebook page:
Brian Stoltz
FACTS: PBS has operated "debt-free" since 1999. Their ex-management is suing the band claiming they owe $600,000, but have yet to produce one receipt or any proof of accounting. The lawsuit is going after Brian & George's Homes, Publishing Royalties and life's work.Their ex-management has gained control of all PBS income streams and released 25 un-approved Live Albums in which the band has never been paid for.

Also, column in Daily Kos on all this: Daily Kos: Save PBS... No, Not that One...

If the above is true and mgmt has issued unauthorized audio for sale and can show no proof of other accounting that they are suing for, any good attorney could file a counter suit and nip this thing in the bud pretty quick. Intellectual property suits are a standard in the industry and the musician owning the rights usually wins something. Even if the artists signed the publishing rights to the music over, there should at least be performance fees available to the three musicians, right?

EDIT - it seems the mgmt is suing for the publishing rights, so they must not own them already, I don't see anyway they could get away with releasing live albums of this bands original music. I would assume that PBS probably also did some stuff from their catalog including Meters, and Neville Bros songs as well, and those organizations would also have a basis for suing this mgmt outfit.