MEGADETH’s DAVE MUSTAINE Settles Lawsuit With Fired Ex-Manager For $1.4 Million

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has agreed to pay his former manager, Corey Brennan, $1.4 million USD to settle a lawsuit. Brennan, who founded 5B Artist Management, filed the suit against Mustaine in June of last year after being dismissed by Mustaine in April.

Brennan claimed that his dismissal was “unceremonious” and that no reason was provided for the termination. His legal team further alleged that Mustaine fired him to allow Mustaine‘s son, Justis Mustaine, the chance to manage the iconic thrash metal band.

Cory Brennan and his company, 5B Artist Management, alleged that Mustaine approached them in late 2014 to manage his career and “get it back on track.” The two already shared a friendship dating back to Brennan’s time as General Manager at Sanctuary Records, which had released three successful albums for Mustaine and MEGADETH. After several phone calls and an in-person meeting, Mustaine and Brennan reached an agreement: Brennan and 5B would manage Mustaine’s career for a 15 percent commission on all gross proceeds from products released during their management term (such as songs, albums, and merchandise), as well as from contracts executed or largely negotiated during this period, regardless of when those proceeds were received, according to the lawsuit. Mustaine also agreed to reimburse Brennan and 5B for customary expenses related to management services, including travel and other work-related costs.

In a statement to Billboard on Wednesday, Brennan’s attorney, Howard King, stated that while his client was “unhappy about having to sue an artist,” he felt “gratified” by the settlement payment.

King said: “Dave Mustaine, who has a known history of firing advisors, terminated Five B Artist Management after 9 years of their having resurrected his failing career. Ignoring the success Five B had helped Dave achieve, including a campaign to help him win his first Grammy, the release of two hit albums, and the elevation of his touring from small clubs back to arenas and amphitheaters, Dave simply refused to pay commissions owing and forced 5B to file a lawsuit.”

The settlement does not fully resolve the dispute. Mustaine filed a countersuit against Brennan last year, alleging that Brennan’s management was “plagued with missteps” that caused significant harm, including damage to Mustaine’s hearing. These claims remain unresolved by the settlement and will continue to be addressed in court.