Coldplay Lawsuit Explained: Band Refused To Pay Manager Over $12M Commission?

Grammy-winning band Coldplay has been sued by their former manager David Holmes after allegedly not paying him for commissions amounting to more than $12 million.

Earlier this August 2023, Holmes had split with Coldplay after managing them for over 20 years.

Coldplay Manager Lawsuit Explained

Variety initially reported that Holmes and Coldplay split up in August 2023. Now, obtained documents revealed that the falling out was caused by unpaid commission.

The filing says that the band has "reneged" on a contract on their tenth and eleventh albums, which Holmes was due for a commission worth over $12 million or £10 million.

Apparently, the band was paid $44 million for their tenth album at the time. They also received $38 million for their eleventh and twelfth album - which he claimed he should have received a commission for.

Meanwhile, Holmes was paid for 8% and 13% from his previous contract - which he received from "Everyday Life" and "Music of the Spheres."

Per Holmes' lawsuit, he was managing the logistics for the preparation and recording of the albums, preparing their budget, and liaising efforts. He also accompanied them on their US, Australia, and Asian tours.

What Happened To Coldplay's Manager?

According to Variety, the lawsuit said that Coldplay tried to demote Dave Holmes from being manager to head of touring.

Holmes is asking the UK Court to make a declaration that the contract covering his commission is valid to make the order of payment valid. He's also asking for an additional $12 million in damages. Coldplay even threatened him that they would file a "significant counterclaim."

"Dave Holmes' management contract with Coldplay expired at the end of 2022, at which point they decided not to start a new one. The matter is now in the hands of Coldplay's lawyers and the claims are being vigorously disputed," the spokesperson of the band said in a statement.

Unbeknownst to many, Coldplay has been managed by Holmes for nearly their entire career. Holmes quietly left the band for a year before it was actually announced. The band has been managed by Phil Harvey, Mandi Frost, and Arlene Moon, who have worked with Holmes at the time before he parted ways.

Coldplay is considered one of the biggest bands of all time. They have been nominated 34 times for a Grammy and have won seven times, including Best Rock Album, and Record of the Year, among many others.

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