Glam rockers The Rubettes being torn apart by bitter court fight over band name | Entertainment

Glam rockers The Rubettes are been torn apart by a bitter court docket feud more than their legendary 1970s name.

Frontman Alan Williams, 74, is accusing his previous band mates of going guiding his back to launch breakaway band the Rubettes immediately after they split in 2018.

He claims he and his Alan Williams Entertainments Ltd organization has the suitable to use ‘The Rubettes’ and halt ex-team associates from working with it.

His barrister explained to London’s Superior Courtroom guitarist Martin Clarke, who started the band with Alan Williams and John Richardson, had been sacked in October 2018 right after an alleged “dispute about fees”.

Clarke is accused of soon soon after implementing to sign up the Uk trademark for ‘The Rubettes’ and began his possess band with Richardson and Steve Etherington.

He was also claimed to have utilized the band’s distinct crimson and black brand to advertise the group.

The Rubettes shot to fame in 1974 with their strike ‘Sugar Baby Love’ providing 10 million copies around the globe

The court was informed the important situation of the case was no matter whether Williams and his business had the suitable to ‘The Rubettes’.

Williams’ lawyer stated: “Alan Williams Enjoyment was the relevant trading entity applying the identify or variants involving about 1983 and when (the three band mates) commenced their wrongdoing.”

He extra about the alleged “clandestine and solution plan” to split from Williams: “There wasn’t a whisper or a dickie chook, this was all going on powering his back again.

“He has been advised by 1 of the major promoters of 60s and 70s bands in the Uk that he can’t promote his band simply because of the existence of Mr Clarke’s band in the British isles.”

Offering proof, Clarke stated he and Richardson only began discussions about breaking away when their frontman informed a Television exhibit in Holland he was setting up a move to Australia.

He experienced also grown progressively frustrated with Williams’ alleged controlling style.

Michael Colbey, representing the breakaway trio, claimed: “Although Mr Williams’ proof on this isn’t totally clear, he looks to acknowledge that he was not dependable for the placing guide vocals, specially in the introduction to the song (‘Sugar Child Love’.)”

Etherington has now give up the breakaway team but is nonetheless a named defendant in the court docket dispute.

Decide Pat Treacy has reserved her choice in the case.

In 2002, Rubettes’ keyboard participant Bill Hurd break up absent from the band and it was agreed in court there would be a person band title identified as The Rubettes Showcasing Alan Williams, and the other, named The Rubettes That includes Bill Hurd.