CHRIS POLAND Settles Lawsuit Against DAVE MUSTAINE
January 16, 2005Former MEGADETH guitarist Chris Poland and/or his management and attorney filed a lawsuit against MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine several months ago regarding the use of the three "Rust In Peace" demos on the album's recent reissue without Chris' permission. According to MEGADETH's webmaster, Mustaine included the demos because he thought Chris would be "thankful for the promotion, the tipping of the hat, and showing the fans how Marty [Friedman, MEGADETH's guitarist during some of the post-Poland years] had actually been influenced by some of Chris' solo selections for those songs."
Dave said, "I had hoped to infuse some much deserve recognition to Chris from the newer fans."
Chris also allegedly tried to sue Dave for defamation of character because Dave called him a "thief," but Chris' attorney "dropped that after he found out that Chris had actually taken the band's gear and sold it for drugs," according to MEGADETH's webmaster. "Remember, there is a confession in the VH1 'Behind the Music' on MEGADETH."
Chris eventually settled for $9,500 and thereby ended a professional relationship with Dave and MEGADETH.
Dave said, "I still respect Chris very much as a player, and I don’t want the fans to think badly of him," but it is obvious that this put a stake in the heart of their friendship.
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