Coldplay are being sued by former manager Dave Holmes over contractual dispute
The four members of multiplatinum-selling British rock band Coldplay are being sued by their former manager Dave Holmes. The lawsuit, which was filed in the UK High Court on August 16, 2023, alleges that Holmes is owed unpaid commissions and other fees related to his work with the band.
Holmes managed Coldplay for 22 years, from their early days as a struggling unsigned band to their current status as one of the biggest bands in the world. He was instrumental in helping the band sign their record deal with Parlophone Records and in guiding their career through their most successful years.
The lawsuit alleges that Holmes is owed commissions on all of Coldplay’s earnings during his time as their manager. It also alleges that he is owed fees for his work on behalf of the band, such as negotiating their record deal and touring contracts.
Coldplay’s representatives have not commented on the lawsuit. However, a source close to the band told Variety that the lawsuit is a “contractual dispute” and that the band is “confident” that they will prevail.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal troubles for Coldplay. In 2009, the band was sued by guitarist Joe Satriani, who alleged that they had plagiarized his song “If I Could Fly” for their hit song “Viva la Vida.” The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but it cast a shadow over the band’s reputation.
It remains to be seen how the lawsuit against Holmes will be resolved. However, it is clear that the dispute is a major distraction for Coldplay at a time when they are preparing to release their new album and embark on a world tour.
The lawsuit is also a reminder of the complex financial arrangements that often exist between bands and their managers. These arrangements can be difficult to navigate, and they can sometimes lead to disputes. In this case, it remains to be seen whether Holmes’s claims are valid. However, the lawsuit is a clear indication that there is some bad blood between him and Coldplay.