PBS, a band formed by bassist George Porter Jr., drummer Russell Batiste and guitarist Brian Stoltz, broke up late in 2009 after what Porter described as un-music-related bullshit. Back in January on Jam Cruise, Porter told us that he loved playing with those guys, but just couldn’t deal with all the headaches on the business side of things. Well, even though the band parted company, the troubles from those days continue as a site called SavePBS.org has been launched as the trio prepares to defend against a $500,000 lawsuit from their former management company, Highsteppin’ Productions LLC.
Here’s a description of the troubles from that website…
George Porter Jr., Russell Batiste and Brian Stoltz, individually and as members of PBS, LLC, need OUR help.
They have been sued by their former management company, Higsteppin’ Productions, LLC, owned by Phil Stepanian, for a huge sum of money (more than a half-million dollars, yes, that’s right, over a half-million dollars), which they do not have, cannot pay, and should not owe.
Both Porter and Stoltz have had to file for bankruptcy protection, and they risk losing their homes, assets, and life’s work. GEORGE MAY LOSE HIS ROYALTIES AND PUBLISHING RIGHTS! As y’all already may know, through their work collectively and individually with the Meters, the Neville Brothers, Doctor John and Allen Toussaint (to name just a few), these wonderful musicians have contributed an immeasurable amount to the cultural landscape of New Orleans, America and the world.
Porter, Stoltz and Batiste are asking fans to “chip-in” as the trio tries to save their homes, assets and royalties from being lost in the bankruptcy, and to also help cover the legal fees. According to the website, the band members will use all funds collected for those purposes. What isn’t clear from the website is why the members of PBS are being sued. We’ve asked High Steppin’ Productions for a response and we’ll post it if we get one.
Would you consider donating to PBS’s legal defense fund?
UPDATE1: An article from the Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly back in June details some of High Steppin’ Productions’ claims.
[Hat Tip to Scott Gordon]
6 Responses
This provides insight into what a musician’s life is REALLY like. When people wonder why GNR doesn’t get back together, or why Phish doesn’t play the PacNW, or why Addison Groove Project broke up, keep in mind that they are running ‘businesses’ (that sell cool shit) and sometimes business gets messy. $500K is a ridiculous sum of money though. I can’t imagine it makes sense for the complaint. Yay lawyers.
why don’t we all just call HighSteppin Productions and ask them to drop the lawsuit. I’m NOt talking about being a nuisance. I really mean calling them @ their Somerville, Mass. headquarters (@ (617) 628-5600 or email @ [email protected]), being extremely respectful and politely asking them to consider dropping their suit against PBS. Kill ’em with kindness and respectully request they drop the suit against a group of great musicians.
This includes a ton of legalese sandscrit, but here’s a history of the lawsuit, filed originally on 12/29/09 in Massachussetts District Court. http://dockets.justia.com/docket/massachusetts/madce/1:2009cv12208/126403/
some background info here:
http://blogs.masslawyersweekly.com/news/2010/06/29/judge-new-orleans-band-must-give-up-money-from-the-funk/
Why exactly are they being sued? I do not see a reason mentioned in your article or the website. forgive me if I overlooked this information, I just think if they are asking for money, a deeper understanding of the situation should be given.
thanks for posting that information Mikey J, good luck to the band with this!
Rob – Addison Groove Project mostly broke up when 1 (or 2) members went to medical school. The band tried to hang on but then the bass player tragically died.
Still an excellent point.
SAVE PBS!!!