Thrash metal icons Megadeth and their frontman, Dave Mustaine, have reached a $1.4 million settlement to resolve claims from their former manager, Cory Brennan. The lawsuit, filed in early 2023, alleged that Brennan and his management company, Five B Artist Management, were owed over $1 million in unpaid commissions following his abrupt termination.
Despite the settlement, Mustaine’s counterclaims against Brennan — including allegations of “repeated management failures” — remain unresolved and will proceed to trial.
The Origins of the Dispute
Brennan, who began managing Mustaine and Megadeth in 2014, claimed in his lawsuit that he had been instrumental in resurrecting the band’s career after a downturn in commercial and critical success. Over nine years, Brennan’s team reportedly helped Megadeth release two hit albums, secure a Grammy win, and elevate their live performances from small venues to arenas.
However, in April 2023, Brennan was abruptly fired with no explanation, according to the lawsuit. Brennan alleged that the decision was made to benefit Mustaine’s son, who was attempting to establish a career in artist management.
The termination left Brennan and Five B allegedly owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in commissions from touring and merchandise sales.
The Settlement
On Wednesday, November 13, attorneys for Brennan announced that Mustaine and Megadeth had agreed to pay $1,400,006 to resolve the allegations of unpaid commissions. In a statement, Brennan’s attorney, Howard King, expressed disappointment that the lawsuit had been necessary but was gratified by the settlement.
“Dave Mustaine, who has a known history of firing advisors, terminated Five B Artist Management after nine years of their having resurrected his failing career,” King said. He emphasized the contributions his client made to Megadeth’s resurgence, including helping Mustaine achieve his first Grammy win.
Mustaine’s Countersuit
Despite the settlement, Mustaine’s legal battle with Brennan is far from over. In a countersuit filed in mid-2023, Mustaine alleged that Brennan’s tenure as manager was plagued by missteps that harmed the band’s reputation and even Mustaine’s health.
The countersuit accused Brennan of negligence and breach of contract, claiming he failed to fulfill his management duties and was attempting to extort money through unfounded legal claims.
“The cross-defendants’ unfounded claims are nothing more than an attempt to capstone their years of mistreatment with extortionate demands for money not earned,” Mustaine’s lawyer, Richard Busch, wrote.
What’s Next?
While the settlement ends the dispute over unpaid commissions, Mustaine’s counterclaims will continue through the courts. The unresolved issues, which include accusations of negligence and breach of contract, suggest that this legal saga is far from over.
As one of metal’s most enduring figures, Mustaine remains in the spotlight — not just for his music but now for the drama playing out behind the scenes.
—
Photo Credit: Aija Lehtonen / Shutterstock.com