Art of Anarchy Sue Scott Stapp For $1.2 Million Over Failure to Promote Band
Art of Anarchy might want to consider continuing as an instrumental outfit as they've had absolutely no luck on the vocalist front. The New York City based rock band recently filed a lawsuit against Scott Stapp, alleging he "repeatedly and continually shirked his contractual obligations" as singer for the group, causing them to lose a recording contract by refusing to promote the act and fulfill touring agreements.
"If Stapp had dedicated himself to Art of Anarchy with the same fervor that he dedicated to his solo career, Art of Anarchy would have had a successful concert tour and its record contract would not have been terminated," the complaint, filed by Vice Inc. reads. "Despite Vice's repeated and specific directions to Stapp, and Vice's entreaties for his cooperation, Stapp repeatedly and continually shirked his contractual obligations."
According to SI Live, damages of $1.2 million are being sought from the ex-Creed singer, who was fronted $200,000 when he joined the band in 2016 which he is accused of failing to repay. The funds were for services to be rendered, treated as a loan, for tax purposes, reads the complaint, though Stapp denies the loan exists.
In addition to Stapp, Art of Anarchy are comprised of former Guns N' Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Disturbed bassist John Moyer and brothers Jon and Vince Votta on guitar and drums. Stapp, who sang on the band's sophomore effort, The Madness, is the second frontman who soured on the band. AOA also sought damages from their original singer, the late Scott Weiland, who not only claimed to be a hired gun just for a studio album, but called the group, "a scam from the beginning."
Vice sued Weiland for a staggering $20 million before his untimely death in late 2015 for the same charges levied against Stapp. The former Stone Temple Pilots singer countersued the band for $2 million.
While Stapp has yet to comment publicly on the lawsuit, he posted a video to his official Facebook page yesterday where he says he is currently working on new music. "[I'm] gettin' ready to start the next record, I'm excited about that, so stay tuned man."
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