| Author | Message | ||
  mattb (mattb) 1-Arriviste Username: mattb Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 209.69.89.2 |
As seen on Reuters.com: LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - The film producers who helped bring former Motown Records sidemen the Funk Brothers into the public eye after decades of obscurity have sued the musicians, alleging they breached their management contract. The Funk Brothers -- session musicians Joe Messina, Eddie Willis, Joe Hunter, Bob Babbitt, Uriel Jones and Jack Ashford -- toured successfully after their story was retold in the 2002 documentary "Standing in the Shadows of Motown." Allan "Dr. Licks" Slutsky and Sandy Passman, partners in L.A. firm Rimshot Management, produced the feature and its hit soundtrack album, which is being re-released by Universal's Hip-O Records as a two-CD deluxe edition on May 11. Slutsky acted as the film's musical director, and authored the award-winning biography of late Motown bassist James Jamerson that served as its basis. In its suit, filed April 28 in California Superior Court in L.A., Rimshot claims that the firm signed an exclusive two-year management contract in February 2003 to represent the Funk Brothers. The action estimates that the group earned more than $1 million during the first year of Rimshot's contract. The suit alleges that Rimshot was informed in February 2004 that its services were being terminated. That notice was later rescinded, but, the action claims, percussionist Ashford told Passman and Slutsky during a March meeting at CBS Studios in L.A. that the termination was still in force, and that the retraction had not been collectively approved by the group. Rimshot claims that the firm is still owed more than $30,000 in deferred commissions, as well as commissions for TV appearances on "American Idol," "The Wayne Brady Show" and "Motown 45. The suit seeks damages to be determined. Representatives of the Funk Brothers could not be reached for comment. Reuters/Billboard | ||
GOAT (goat) 3-Pundit Username: goat Post Number: 56 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.228.146.241 |
Typical. Who can get the most of someone and then leave them in the wind. Sick, and sad. And tired of folks trying to get money for nothing. What has happened to our judicial system?? | ||
mattb (mattb) 1-Arriviste Username: mattb Post Number: 2 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 209.69.89.2 |
I was especially surprised because I was under the assumption that Alan Slutsky was still "filling in" with the Funks. Hopefully they can resolve this out of court. | ||
Vonnie (vonnie) 3-Pundit Username: vonnie Post Number: 68 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138 |
The only comment I have right now regarding this story is, I'm very sorry to hear this information.  | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 507 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
One word sums this up: DAMN!!!!! | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 3-Pundit Username: sis Post Number: 70 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
I was hoping this would be resolved before a dialog began on this forum. My heart is torn. | ||
Vonnie (vonnie) 3-Pundit Username: vonnie Post Number: 69 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138 |
SisDetroit, That is excatly how I feel, my heart is torn. | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 2-Debutant Username: stonewall Post Number: 27 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.26.43 |
Check out the FUNK BROTHERS on the upcoming "Motown 45" on May 17th at 8 p.m. Ironically, M-45 is mentioned in the pending lawsuit. The Funks will be singing two questions: "Do U Love Me?" and, to that seemingly overzealous commission man, the following song, "What Becomes Of The Broken-Hearted?" Visit the M-45 show advertisement: www.ABC.Go.com/Specials/Motown _45.html | ||
Sue (sue) 3-Pundit Username: sue Post Number: 53 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.252.166 |
For those saying things like "overzealous commission man," it's best in this case, as in all such cases, to wait until you hear the whole story. | ||
Moe (moe) 3-Pundit Username: moe Post Number: 64 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.140.73.33 |
Yes, Sue, I agree with you totally. I hate to use this, but I have to: the Aretha Franklin song. Exactly: "Who's Zoomin Who?" | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 2-Debutant Username: stonewall Post Number: 28 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.26.43 |
"Sue", I hear ya; and with a name like "Sue", I fear ya!  Of course, U are reasonably correct about two sides, especially when legal contracts are involved. As someone (Sis) pointed out, hopefully whatever it is, "it" will be resolved. Meanwhile, enjoy THE FUNKS on "M-45". | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 5-Doyen Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 193 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.236.62.124 |
A TRAVESTY | ||
Tony Russi (tony_russi) 3-Pundit Username: tony_russi Post Number: 58 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.18.35.54 |
This is very sad to say the least. I sincerely hope that this can be resolved amicably out of court. | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 5-Doyen Username: soul_sister Post Number: 389 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.147.99 |
The way the world is in the music business, its sad. There are always two-sides to every story but it seems whenever there is any kind of monies involved somewhere someone's greed takes over and the brain & concience disappears!! Always I hear these same sad stories. RD, where are you? I'd like to hear any inside info. you may know? S.S. | ||
Vonnie (vonnie) 4-Laureate Username: vonnie Post Number: 75 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138 |
Yep, SoulSister, This is the unfortunate reality of the biz. I had a very short lived stint in the biz and I'm glad it was short lived. I tried again to re-enter the biz and the same thing happened, the ugly head of greed reared up. I quickly exited as fast as I re-entered. | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 4-Laureate Username: sis Post Number: 74 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
RD - If you have inside information, would you just email Soul Sister, and not post it on the forum? We don't want to harm the negotiations in anyway. We respect our Funk Brothers, as well as Allan Slutsky, the one who brought them out of the shadows. That would mean a great deal to the fans and families of the Funk Brothers, and more so to the parties involved. Thanks to all of the Soulful Detroit family. | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 524 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
This would be a most sad ending to what, up to now has been a glorious story. I hope that this is resolved so that the Funk Brothers may continue to enjoy their spotlight & recognition after toiling so many years n the background. To all concerned, come on fellas & work it out. This was a happy new beginning, let's have a happy ending! | ||
Larry (larry) 3-Pundit Username: larry Post Number: 40 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.101.111.179 |
I find it hard to believe that the Dr. - who singlehandedly brought the Funks from obscurity - is a greedy dude. I mean please... Something smells awfully wrong here. I hope (like most of us) this gets resolved quickly and amicably. Damn is right! | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 4-Laureate Username: sis Post Number: 75 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
Let's sit on this suit for awhile so they can "work it out." In the meantime, be sure to go out and get that soon to be released new cd. We're gonna have fun with that new cd, whilst they talk business behind closed doors. Do I hear a second? | ||
Larry (larry) 3-Pundit Username: larry Post Number: 41 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.101.111.179 |
Sis, I 2nd your emotion | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 4-Laureate Username: sis Post Number: 76 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
Thank you (((Larry))). | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 5-Doyen Username: soul_sister Post Number: 408 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.147.99 |
Hi SisD; I don't know that RD has any Funks suit info. per say, I know he's aware of the many unscupulous practices going on in the biz (not to say thats whats happening here cause I don't know) but thought if he had any knowledge on this subject he might share it with the forum as he has in the past. Just an open question. RD seems to be up on these things. Where is RD anyway, his presence hasn't been on the new forum. (?) Are you out there RD, whats happening?? Take Care, S.S. | ||
ralph (ralph) Moderator Username: ralph Post Number: 142 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
The entertainment business is tough. I have mentioned this many times on the forum. There are times things don't go as expected, or the situation is not what it was hoped to be. As moderator, I certainly don't want to stop anyone from expressing an opinion on this, but please bear in mind we know very little of what is taking place behind the scenes. Please allow all involved in this to settle their differences without any pre-judgement on our part. | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 4-Laureate Username: sis Post Number: 78 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
SS - You are right about that. I haven't seen RD on the new forum. RD does know about the inside of the music business. I'm hoping though, AFTER THIS IS RESOLVED, we may ask the camp when the time is appropriate "what's goin on." They usually come back with a response. May 11, 2004, release of the Deluxe SITSOM. | ||
Vonnie (vonnie) 4-Laureate Username: vonnie Post Number: 78 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 151.205.179.131 |
Heere Heere Ralph, I second that emotion! | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 5-Doyen Username: soul_sister Post Number: 409 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.147.99 |
Ralph & SisD; As I expressed I/we don't know. When the time is right all will come to the light, even then the public still won't know only the individuals involved, because it is truly only their business. Thats all I have to say on the subject got to take the dog to the Veterinarian now & a few other errands, today is my last day home for the next 9 days. I wish all parties involved the best of luck for all fairness to prevail. Have a good day, I'll look in later. S.S. | ||
einnod23 (einnod23) 1-Arriviste Username: einnod23 Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 24.90.11.132 |
My prayers are that these issues will be resolved asap. Peace. | ||
sideburnslim (sideburnslim) 3-Pundit Username: sideburnslim Post Number: 49 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.41.175.175 |
I am apt to be less optimistic...If this issue is not resolved we should all send our Dr. Licks books/movies back page by page! | ||
David Meikle (david_meikle) 4-Laureate Username: david_meikle Post Number: 95 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 80.58.38.235 |
Thanks to Sis and Sue for keeping this in check. Please remember everyone that many of those involved in this case read this forum on a daily basis. RD has not applied for "registration" BTW (prior to april 24th). (Message edited by David Meikle on May 05, 2004) | ||
Erik T (erik_t) 2-Debutant Username: erik_t Post Number: 16 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.228.108.10 |
I hope they work it out, naturally, and look forward to catching the Funks in Toronto in July, at a club finally! Paaarrty! | ||
Clay (clay) 1-Arriviste Username: clay Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.43.133.99 |
WELL........It just lets me know that the Music Business has'nt changed.......Same game-different players......We'll never know why this business has so many CASUALTIES!!!!!!!!!! The Funks are still on the barbeque grill as far as I'm concerned....and after 40yrs in this business of music to have something like this happen is DEPLORABLE..........! Both parties should simply say goodbye and go their seperate ways.....I think they both have earned and created a big enough BUZZ with the film,live shows, the grammy's and Academy Award to go independent of each other and still represent.............PEACE | ||
craig (craig) 1-Arriviste Username: craig Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 206.148.224.41 |
My name is Craig Weiland and I had the very good fortune to be involved in the the Funk Brothers project. I met Allan Slutsky in the late 80�s and assisted in whatever way I could over the course of 14 years to help the Funks Brothers claim their rightful place in musical history. I�d like to clarify the Reuters report which says the lawsuit is solely over money. It is not. Allan Slutsky and Sandy Passman filed the lawsuit because they were fired by the Funk Brothers following their appearance on American Idol. At the time of the firing, just under a year was left on a legally binding, two-year contract. Both parties signed the contract which Allan and Sandy believe is still valid. Allan and Sandy are not seeking any type of punitive damages. They just want the existing contract enforced as agreed upon by them and the Funk Brothers. This is an unfortunate and complicated situation. Allan has devoted a good chunk of his life to this dream�which has come true in many wonderful ways. Sandy has also devoted years to this project. Hopefully, as another poster wrote, this lawsuit will be resolved quickly and amicably. | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 614 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Craig Thanks much for clarifying this confusing & disappointing situation. The only question that I have is, why did the Funks fire them? Thanks again! | ||
David Meikle (david_meikle) Moderator Username: david_meikle Post Number: 104 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 62.252.128.10 |
JF20 The Court of Law will make matters clear for all and sundry. | ||
ralph (ralph) Moderator Username: ralph Post Number: 159 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
In the interest of all parties concerned, further discussion of this could prove counter-productive. This is a legal and personal matter between the Funk Brothers and their management. It's best we stay out of this. Thank you for understanding. | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 618 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
David & Ralph: Completely & totally understood!!! | ||
Lady Mystique (ladymystique) 5-Doyen Username: ladymystique Post Number: 309 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 216.37.228.106 |
What is up with THIS? |
