Metal Anarchy

According to Rolling Stone, former Linkin Park bassist Kyle Christner has filed a lawsuit against the band. He is currently seeking credit and royalties for numerous tracks that he allegedly worked on in 1999.

Christner claims he contributed to over 20 songs and never received any compensation. He also claimed that a manager for the band reached out to him last April to let him know that he was owed royalties for three demos and the band’s “Hybrid Theory” EP. Those songs were all included in the 20th anniversary box set edition of the group’s 2000 album “Hybrid Theory.” That collection also featured other rare and previously unreleased tracks.

Christner allegedly reviewed the archival material in the box set and found his contributions on “more than twenty songs.” He then reached out to Machine Shop Entertainment, but the company’s director “went dark.” The complaint said the following about the tracks:

“Christner appears to have played on at least tracks 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Forgotten Demos, tracks 1, 2, 7, 13, 14, 16, 17 of LPU Rarities, and track 7 of B-Side Rarities, as well as the Hybrid Theory EP.”

Rolling Stone added:

“The bassist further alleged he helped compose many of Linkin Park’s songs during the band’s early beginnings. He asked the court to determine who authored and owns the disputed songs and an accounting of all the profits generated by the works. Christner also requested payment for back royalties, interest, and attorney’s fees.”

Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson, Joseph Hahn, Machine Shop, and Warner Records were all named as defendants in the case. However, it appears none of them have commented on the dispute at this time.