The past six months have not been good for Bob Seger.
It started in December with the death of longtime Silver Bullet Band saxophone player Alto Reed from colon cancer. Then in April, the longest-serving member of the band, bassist Chris Campbell, filed a lawsuit against Seger for unpaid album and tour royalties.
It turns out that accountant Frank Copeland, who worked for Seger, Andrews and Campbell, embezzled from all parties, with the estimate between $800,000 and $1 million.
In statement, Seger and his manager Punch Andrews say they “have loyally supported our friend for 45-plus years. On advice from counsel we are unable to comment on the complaint at this time. We will respond to the complaint in the normal course through the judicial process.”
Seger has countersued for what his lawyers say is a “frivolous action… Instead of suing the person who stole the money, Plaintiff is attempting to recover from Defendants.”
Campbell also claims he’s owed album royalties, but Seger’s lawyers say he was paid session fees and has no “legal right of any kind to royalties earned on songs recorded by Seger.”
Both sides are seeking unspecified damages as well as a jury trial.
REUTERS PHOTO
