Dave Mustaine, frontman of the legendary thrash metal band MEGADETH, has agreed to a $1.4 million settlement with his former manager, Cory Brennan, to resolve a legal dispute over unpaid commissions. According to Billboard, the settlement concludes a lawsuit filed by Brennan and Five B Artist Management in June 2023, which alleged that Mustaine had terminated their partnership without cause and refused to honor the terms of their agreement.
The lawsuit, obtained by Blabbermouth.net, detailed how Mustaine initially approached Brennan in late 2014 to help “revive” his career. Brennan, who had a longstanding relationship with Mustaine from his time as General Manager of Sanctuary Records, agreed to manage the musician’s career through his firm, Five B Artist Management. The terms included a 15% commission on all gross revenue earned during their management term and reimbursement for expenses incurred in their services. This arrangement also applied to proceeds from contracts negotiated or signed during the term, even if the payments were received after the partnership ended.
Beginning in early 2015, Brennan and Five B took charge of Mustaine’s career, working to re-establish MEGADETH’s prominence in the metal world. Over the next nine years, the band achieved significant milestones, including their first Grammy win, the release of two of their highest-charting albums, and a resurgence in demand that saw MEGADETH transition from small club performances to headlining arenas and amphitheaters worldwide. Brennan’s team played an integral role in supporting Mustaine creatively, professionally, and personally, helping him overcome challenges and guiding his career resurgence. As recently as December 2022, Mustaine praised Brennan’s work, saying, “Excellent work Cory! No one can manage as successfully and professionally as you.”
However, the partnership came to an abrupt end on April 28, 2023, when Mustaine’s lawyer sent a termination letter to Brennan without explanation. The letter also claimed that Brennan and Five B would no longer be entitled to commissions for projects negotiated or initiated during their management tenure. According to the lawsuit, this decision was allegedly influenced by Mustaine’s desire to support his son’s aspirations in artist management.
In a statement to Billboard, Brennan’s attorney, Howard King, acknowledged that filing the lawsuit was a difficult decision but expressed satisfaction with the settlement. “While my client was displeased at having to sue an artist, he is gratified by the payment,” King said. “After nine years of rebuilding Dave Mustaine’s career, including securing his first Grammy, hit records, and arena-level tours, Five B Artist Management was wrongfully denied commissions owed for their work.”
King also noted Mustaine’s history of dismissing advisors, framing the situation as part of a broader pattern. “Despite the success Five B helped him achieve, Dave refused to honor the terms of their agreement, leaving no choice but to pursue legal action,” King added.
