One of modern country’s most unique voices could be used to testify in court, with Jeff Tweedy set to sued by a former Wilco bandmate.
Wilco were formed from the ashes of seminal alt country pioneers Uncle Tupelo. The group have an acclaimed career behind them, but have been dogged by internal tension.
Former member Jay Bennett walked out after the making of ‘Sky Blue Sky’ in 2001. Relations within the band were captured in the warts and all documentary ‘I Am Trying To Break Your Heart’, which shows Bennett and lead singer Tweedy at loggerheads.
A report in the Chicago Tribune claims that Tweedy not only never paid Bennett for his appearance in the documentary, he “never obtained the necessary releases for the use of Bennett’s performance in the film”.
The suit argues that “as a recording musician in Wilco, Bennett is entitled to compensation for his services rendered in the form of continuing and perpetual artist royalty payments from” Tweedy.
Bennett is asking for 15% of the band’s income from sales and performances, and should total at least $50,000.
Jay Bennett left Wilco in the summer of 2001. “It was time for Jay to move on and have a bigger role in making his own music,” Tweedy said at the time. “Jay has been a huge part of the last three records, but it just became more obvious to us that he didn’t have the same enthusiasm for being a part of the band. It took a lot of bravery on both parts to make this happen, and we moved past any hard feelings really fast.”
Wilco are also set to release a new album soon. Titled ‘Wilco (The Album)’ it is the band’s first in two years and continues one of America’ most fascinating musical careers. Amongst the highlights of the new material is a potentially jaw-dropping collaboration with Feist…
Jeff Tweedy has yet to respond to the suit.
