In April, New Times reported on the filing of a lawsuit that had everyones inner 90s alt-rock fan paying attention. Back in 2013, Candlebox -- the grunge chart-toppers of Far Behind fame -- had been mapping out a comeback to mark the bands 20th anniversary. The bands then-managers, Lujen Brands, signed a deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The tribe would hand over $400,000 and, in return, receive the rights to Candleboxs upcoming two albums as well as a fat cut of the proceeds from upcoming tours. But the $400,000 never came, Lujen claims. Thats when Lujen filed a federal lawsuit. The tribe responded by saying that, as an independent nation, it was protected from such lawsuits by sovereign immunity -- a legal concept that prevents governments from being sued. But this month, the federal judge in Lujens case denied the tribes initial immunity claim because of Lujens unique argument: the sovereign immunity may apply to the tribe but not to the Seminoles incorporated business entity. The court has now given Lujen 45 days to explore that issue. It was a very encouraging ruling, Stephanie Moon, Lujens attorney, tells New Times. We are now seeking to develop the court record. I dont know if anyone has ever claimed that the tribes sovereign immunity did not extend to the corporation. Tribe spokesman Gary Bitner downplayed the judges ruling. Shes giving them a small window. It was not a ruling on whether the case proceeds, he told New Times. In fact, she invited our attorneys to refile the motion to dismiss after the 45 days. Lujens president, Matt Iudice Jr., believes the ruling is a sign of good things ahead. We will not back down and will continue our full-court press. blogs.browardpalmbeach/pulp/2014/09/90s_rockers_candleboxs_former_management_continues_lawsuit_against_seminole_tribe.php
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:23:52 +0000
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