Breaking Benjamin‘s lengthy layoff may be coming to an
end, as court proceedings between frontman Benjamin Burnley and two of the
band’s former members concerning the rights to use their moniker have concluded
with the vocalist emerging victorious.
The band took an indefinite hiatus in 2010 while Burnley
was dealing with an illness. Not long after, the band’s label released a
greatest hits album featuring a newly remixed version of ‘Blow Me Away’ with
special guest vocalist Valora. The album and single became a point of
contention between Burnley and bassist Mark Klepaski and guitarist Aaron Fink,
as the singer later revealed that the two members had unilaterally signed off
on the album and song remix without his consent.
Both Klepaski and Fink were fired by Burnley and a legal
battle ensued over the rights to the name. Meanwhile drummer Chad Szeliga, who
had used the hiatus to join Black Label Society as a touring musician, remained
on good terms with Burnley.
In a posting at the band’s website, the group’s current
status was updated. It reads as follows:
The dispute between Benjamin Burnley, who is the sole
founder, primary musician, singer and songwriter for the band Breaking
Benjamin, and two of the band’s ex-members has been resolved. Benjamin Burnley
retains his right to use his band name and Breaking Benjamin will continue.
Burnley added his own comments, stating:
I am pleased to finally put this matter behind me and
focus on the future for Breaking
Benjamin. I wish to express my never
ending love and gratitude to the best fans in the world for their undying love
and support. Words cannot express my love to you all! Thank you!!
- Benjamin Burnley
In a recent interview with Hardrock Haven, Szeliga hinted
that there might be movement with Breaking Benjamin soon and he expected to be
part of it. “I am just looking to get back in the studio with Breaking
Benjamin,” stated the drummer. “Yes, I’m answering the question that everybody
asks me every day … Breaking Benjamin is still together. We will definitely and
hopefully be doing another record in the future!”
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