Kyuss Lives Slam Josh Homme Lawsuit
Brant Bjork has hit out at his former bandmate's legal action, calling it a "double standard"
In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Bjork has responded to the lawsuit which former Kyuss guitarist Homme and former bassist Scott Reeder have filed, which claims "trademark infringement and consumer fraud."
Formed in 2011 by long term members John Garcia, Nick Oliveri, and Bjork they would perform Kyuss classics under the moniker Kyuss Lives!, with guitarist Bruno Fevery taking Homme's spot. However, Homme (who had previously given his blessing to the band) and Reeder (who replaced Olivieri when he was sidelined by legal trouble) filed a lawsuit in March to stop the band recording new material.
Bjork told Rolling Stone what he thought of the lawsuit. "Was I surprised? As far as Scott is concerned, yes, I was very surprised. I wasn't surprised by Josh at all. They don't want to mention that they trademarked the name Kyuss after I left the band, assuring that I had no rights in Kyuss' future. They're both accusing John and I of doing something that they actually did themselves. Their inner conflict is this: both Josh and Scott want control and money from Kyuss Lives!, but they don't want to participate and they ultimately don't want us to exist. The double standard is unbelievable.
"Josh filing this lawsuit is not an issue of today ... it's an issue that began over 20 years ago. That is why the band was short-lived. Josh and I were the creative force within the band and after the completion of our second record, Blues for the Red Sun, we developed an opposing view on how the band should exist and operate. In 1992 Josh discovered publishing, which is the financial revenue stream for songwriting. After that, he wanted to write all the songs. As a drummer I couldn't make him play my songs. I wasn't going to compromise my heart and soul and play drums for Josh to make money in a band I started. So I left the band. I was a confused, angry and sad 19-year-old idealist who sacrificed my love of my band for what I believed in. Two-and-a-half years later, Josh would break up the band after John confronted him about the same thing; his need to control the band for personal gain."
You can read the full, and very extensive interview HERE