Cheap Trick Lawsuit Tossed

A Delaware judge has dismissed a lawsuit three members of Cheap Trick have filed against drummer Bun E. Carlos, saying the dispute should be decided in Illinois federal court.

Photo: AP Photo / Las Vegas News Bureau, Darrin Bush

Cheap Trick in 2009, with Bun E. Carlos on the right.

The three members sought court validation of their claim that Carlos has been ousted as a board member of the band’s business entities.

Carlos claims he cannot be voted out of the group unless it is unanimous among the four original members.

Chancellor Leo Strine Jr. said Dec. 12 many issues in the lawsuit were raised in an earlier complaint filed in Illinois by Carlos and band manager David Frey.

They say their ousters were invalid and they are owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Strine said the fundamental issue is if Carlos, who stopped touring with the band, is still a member.