J. Geils Files Lawsuit Against J. Geils Band

John Geils, founder of the J. Geils Band, has filed a lawsuit against the other members of the group over use of the name in an upcoming tour that doesn't feature the guitarist, Reuters reports. Geils names band members Richard Salwitz, Danny Klein, Peter Wolf and Seth Justman in the lawsuit filed in Boston Superior Court, claiming they "planned and conspired" to exclude Geils from a tour and are unlawfully using the group's trademarked name.

"Together they're the J. Geils Band, but separately they're Mr. Wolf, Mr. Salwitz, Mr. Klein and Mr. Justman," said Geils' lawyer, Charles Grimes. "They do not have the right to take his name and use it, and try to deny him the right to use his own name."

"We will address the claims in the lawsuit including our own claims against John Geils and Francesca Records at the appropriate time," said James Weinberger, who is representing the band's other members.

The J. Geils Band scheduled an 11-show tour without Geils, kicking off in Syracuse, New York on August 25th. Geils is seeking full rights to the trademarked name and prohibition of the defendants' use of the band name, plus damages.