Lots of people like The Killers. Maybe it’s their wonderful dress sense, or their crazy haircuts, or – heaven forbid – their songs. But one person who doesn’t like The Killers is Braden Merrick.

Braden, you see, used to be the manager of The Killers. But not any more – The Killers apparently dispensed of Merrick’s services in May. Obviously, when a bond of trust like the one between a newly-successful band and their manager is broken, you can’t really put a price on all the disappointment and hurt that both sides suffer. Well, Braden Merrick has – he reckons it’s worth about $16 million.

The Killers (CDs) have been one of the surprise hits of the last couple of
years. We say ’surprise’, but that’s mainly because we can’t really
stand them. But plenty of other people fell for their charms – more
than six million copies of their first album Hot Fuss have been sold so
far, putting The Killers quickly into the top flight of performers.

But when The Killers hit the big time, they apparently ditched their
manager Braden Merrick. And, as far as he’s concerned, that’s breach of
contract, baby. Braden filed a lawsuit against the band on Tuesday,
claiming that he had two years left on his contract with The Killers,
and he’s after $16 million from them. Merrick’s lawyer claimed:

“As soon as he made them superstars they
decided to stop paying him. He’s entitled to a percentage
of their income for his services as a manager and a producer.”

But as far as The Killers are concerned, that’s all a lot of horsecrap, and their lawyer has said:

“The only statement the band would like to make at this time is that
the claims alleged by Mr. Merrick are absolutely meritless and we
intend to defend this action vigorously.”

Maybe the full story will come out in the song Keep Your Filthy Grabbing Fingers Off My Cash on The Killers’ new album.

Read more:

Former manager sues the Killers – MSNBC

[story by Stuart Heritage]