'Black Crowes' Settle Lawsuit With Former Drummer Over Music Royalties

Former 'Black Crowes' drummer Steve Gorman is settling his lawsuit with the band over what he says was unpaid royalties.

According to new legal documents, obtained by The Blast, Gorman and the band have tentatively agreed to an agreement that will clear up any financial issues between the two parties. The former drummer and his legal team notified the court that the two sides have come to terms, and believe a signed agreement is just a few signatures away.

"The parties are actively engaged in settlement communications and are currently drafting deal terms that the parties currently expect will materialize into an executed settlement and dismissal of this action," the filing reads.

So how much money is changing hands? Well, the exact amounts are not listed in this document -- and many times the details of a settlement are kept confidential. But, we are guessing the deal addressed anything owed, as well as any piece of the music going forward.

We broke the story, Gorman sued the band -- including founding members Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson -- calling into question the accuracy of his royalty payments with the band and its music. The drummer claims the group made "various unexplained deductions" from his royalties, that included "deductions for partnership expenses described as ‘management commissions,’ ‘attorneys’ fees’ and ‘overhead.’”

At this point, Groman says the band, "have not provided details on these purported expenses that are deducted from [Gorman’s] royalty payments, nor have [the Crowes] explained how these deductions comport with” the band’s initial partnership.

The drummer addressed the situation in his 2019 autobiography, saying, "For more than five years, my attorneys and I have made repeated requests to review the Partnership’s books to confirm the accuracy of royalty payments and my share, but Chris and Rich have consistently ignored my rights under the Partnership Agreement."

Adding, "I regret that it has come to this, as I remain incredibly proud of the music we created as a band, but their conduct has left me with no choice but to ask a court to order them to give me this information, which I’m entitled to under our partnership agreement and the law."

It should be noted, Gorman left the band to pursue other musical ventures in 2001. He rejoined the band in 2005, only to be left out of another rebirth by the band in recent years.

In 2019, the band reunited, and went on tour in 2021 tour in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the band’s debut 'Shake Your Money Maker.'

Shockingly, the lead singer blamed Gorman for the band's problems, saying, "Steve was one of the incredibly negative and manipulative forces in the band that we really didn’t want to deal with. In order to get back, we really had to do this very specific purge where we focus on the two of us and let this be something that will be positive."

At this point, the settlement will be signed and rubber-stamped by a judge.

Now, let's leave of of this on a positive note...everyone loves this song...right?!