Original Guns N’ Roses members W. Axl Rose, Slash (real name Saul Hudson) and Duff McKagan have sued Geffen Records, claiming that the imminent release of a GNR hits compilation constitutes a breach of contract.
The action, filed Friday in U.S. District Court in L.A., says that vocalist Rose objected to the songs on the hits package, as well as the artwork and timing of the release. It also claims that former guitarist Slash and bassist McKagan were not notified about the planned U.S. release date of March 23. The suit also alleges that the band members neither received nor approved remastered versions of the songs to be included on the compilation.
The suit, which also claims trademark infringement and unfair competition, seeks an order enjoining Geffen from releasing the hits compilation, the destruction of any existing infringing merchandise and compensatory damages to be determined.
A statement from Universal Music Group termed the suit “meritless.” The company’s claim that the court had denied the band’s request for a temporary restraining order could not be confirmed at press time.
