Ex-SKID ROW Drummer PHIL VARONE Suing Former Bandmates

February 24, 2010

According to Matthew Belloni of The Hollywood Reporter, ex-SKID ROW drummer Phil Varone has filed a lawsuit against the band's guitarist David Sabo and bassist James Southworth (a.k.a. Rachel Bolan),claiming his former bandmates are talking trash about him and preventing him from using the SKID ROW name to promote himself.

In the complaint, Varone — who recently appeared on VH1's "Sex Rehab With Dr. Drew" show — alleges that Sabo and Southworth "have embarked on a crusade to spread vicious lies about Varone in an effort to destroy his professional and personal reputation" and "to prevent him from truthfully describing his career history as the drummer for SKID ROW, by contending that his use of the band name is trademark infringement." In addition, he claims Sabo and Southworth "had falsely informed people that Varone had slept with Sabo's wife, that Varone is a cocaine addict and that Varone is a liar." According to the complaint, Sabo, Southworth and their lawyer contacted night clubs and both Oprah Winfrey's and Tyra Banks' talk shows in advance of his appearance in connection with 'Sex Rehab' and successfully prevented Varone from being identified as a former drummer of SKID ROW.

"Its complete omission from a description of Varone's professional experience deprives Varone from the benefits of his experience as a professional studio and live musician and rock star who toured the world, gave countless interviews, made hundreds of appearances and amassed thousands of fans worldwide," the complaint reads.

Varone is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, as well as a declaration that his use of the SKID ROW name doesn't violate anybody's trademark.

Read more from The Hollywood Reporter. Additional details can be found at Courthouse News Service.

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