Metal Anarchy

Megadeth guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine has officially settled the lawsuit that was filed against him by his former manager Corey Brennan (5B Artist Management). The frontman agreed to pay Brennan $1.4 million USD.

Brennan was fired by Mustaine in April 2023 and responded with the lawsuit in June 2023. In the complaint, he claimed that he was “unceremoniously” terminated without reason. It was also alleged that Mustaine made the decision in an effort to replace Brennan with his son Justis Mustaine.

Brennan claimed he was owed more than $1 million USD in commissions for touring and merchandise. He has since settled for $1,400,006 USD.

Brennan’s attorney Howard King told Billboard the following:

“Dave Mustaine, who has a known history of firing advisors, terminated Five B Artist Management after 9 years of their having resurrected his failing career. Ignoring the success Five B had helped Dave achieve, including a campaign to help him win his first Grammy, the release of two hit albums, and the elevation of his touring from small clubs back to arenas and amphitheaters, Dave simply refused to pay commissions owing and forced 5B to file a lawsuit.”

Despite this news, Mustaine‘s countersuit against Brennan has yet to be settled. Mustaine claimed the manager engaged in “repeated management failures” and that he “dealt serious blows to Megadeth’s reputation and even [his] physical health.” As such, Mustaine has accused Brennan of breach of contract and negligence.

According to Rolling Stone, one incident cited was related to a festival Megadeth were playing with Slipknot, another band managed by 5B Artist Management. Mustaine claims Megadeth had to move up their drums due to the position of Slipknot‘s production and gear and that 5B refused to fix the situation. As a result, Mustaine allegedly ended up with tinnitus after the drums were placed closer to him.

Furthermore, Mustaine claimed that 5B failed to properly handle the band’s royalties, beer sponsorships, and contracts regarding the artwork for “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!.” He also accused the company of donating money from merchandise sales to COVID-19 relief organizations without permission.

As if that wasn’t enough, Mustaine even expressed disapproval with the way 5B handled his attempts to get songwriting credits and royalties for songs he wrote with Metallica. The following was said about that:

“In 2017, Mustaine informed [5B] that he intended to pursue his interest in songwriting credit and royalties for songs that he wrote or co-wrote as a member of Metallica, and for which he was owed royalties. [5B] participated in discussions with Mustaine regarding these credits and royalties and were aware that they were responsible for pursuing this matter to ensure that Mustaine was appropriately credited and compensated for his work, they failed to do so.”

Mustaine is currently seeking unspecified damages and the matter is expected to go to trial.