Odd diary, this. It's not about donating to food banks or mocking conservatives or highlighting the crimes of petroleum companies or saving New Orleans.
Well, it's kind of is about saving New Orleans, at least a part of it that means a great deal to me, to you and to the world.
Bassist George Porter, Jr, drummer Russell Batiste and guitarist Brian Stoltz are legends of New Orleans music. George, a founding member of the Meters and Runnin' Pardners, is deservedly acclaimed as the father of funk bass. Brian's stints with the Neville Brothers and many other bands have redefined the boundaries of rock, funk and pop guitar. Russell is simply one of the most talented and versatile drummers in the world.
For years, they have been playing together under the name of Porter.Batiste.Stoltz or PBS. During part of that time, they were under a management contract to Highsteppin' Productions, LLC, a management company owned by Phil Stepanian.
Now, Stepanian is suing the trio for over half a million dollars, claiming unpaid expenses for which he has produced no receipts or accounting. He is going after the musicians' homes, publishing and life works, including George's share of the Meters catalog and Brian's writers income from his days with the Nevilles. (For instance, Brian wrote Fearless, Aaron's duet with Linda Ronstadt on the "Brothers Keeper" album). (There's an ad at that video, so mute the beginning). Stepanian has also gained control of all P.B.S. income streams and released over two dozen unauthorized live albums of the band.
Fighting this lawsuit is breaking these guys financially. Fans and supporters have banded together to help defray their legal costs and help them keep their homes, forming the Porter Batiste Stoltz Relief Coalition, or SavePBS.org. The band will play a benefit for the coalition tonight at Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans.
I understand people may be put off by a pitch for guys who have enjoyed a level of success others can only dream of. I am simply putting this out there because these men are very old friends who are getting a raw deal, the kind it takes real money to fight.
Do with this what you will.