Judge warns one iconic rock band their overconfidence could cost them millions

As a long-time KISS fan with decades of fandom under my belt, I find myself deeply concerned and saddened by the recent lawsuit involving one of rock’s most iconic bands. Having followed KISS since their early days, I’ve always admired their flamboyant stage presence and unmatched energy. However, this situation has cast a shadow over their reputation as a band that takes care of its crew and puts safety first.

According to a lawsuit filed in February 2023 by former KISS roadie David Mathews, the band mishandled their tour following Gene Simmons’ COVID-19 diagnosis. The tour encountered complaints from the crew about working conditions and safety concerns, escalating when guitar tech Fran Stueber tragically passed away from the same illness during the tour. It seems that Mathews’ primary issue was the close proximity he had to work with Simmons.

As a gamer, I’ve been part of a team for almost three decades, so it’s natural to think that our bond was strong. If things weren’t going well, we would have split up long ago. However, the way KISS and I parted ways was tough on me, and it might not have been entirely fair.

According to Mathews, Don McGhee, the manager of KISS, dismissed him after allegations arose that some members of the band’s road crew had contacted the media regarding working conditions. However, Mathews asserts that he himself did not speak with the press. Despite this, his lawsuit, scheduled for trial starting January 6 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, states that he was unfairly treated and unjustly terminated.

Lawsuit could cost KISS millions of dollars

In this situation, it’s uncertain which party might emerge victorious in the ongoing lawsuit, as neither seems to hold a definitive advantage. During a court hearing on Friday, Judge Armen Tamzarian suggested that KISS’ legal team consider settling out of court, expressing his uncertainty about the case’s outcome. However, should the band lose, they stand to forfeit a significant amount of money – potentially millions.

Tamzarian expressed apprehension as he felt both lawyers appeared overly self-assured about their stances. Yet, avoiding a court trial could potentially imply that KISS had been unfair, which was something they didn’t want to concede right away, hence no immediate action followed the judge’s suggestion.

In the course of their discussion, Tamzarian expressed curiosity about two points. First, was Mathews indeed a contractor rather than an employee, given his three decades of service with the band? However, the judge appeared skeptical and made it clear that he wasn’t convinced by this claim.

In regards to Mathews, Tamzarian pondered if Mathews’ criticism towards Simmons, regarding his decision to not wear a mask after applying stage makeup, held any merit. Couldn’t the mask impact how Simmons looked during the concert? However, even if that’s the case, KISS is still taking a risk by not reaching a consensus. Yet, for the band, they are financially secure enough to spend millions without worrying about running out of funds for their own use.

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2024-12-08 18:00