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Almost five decades after its publication, the Supertramp classic “Give A Little Bit” is again the subject of a legal dispute. A US Court of Appeal has decided that ex-singer and songwriter Roger Hodgson continues to owe his former bandmates to shares in the income from royalties.
Hodgson hired payments in 2018. In contrast, three of his former bandmates, bassist Dougie Thomson, saxophonist John Helliwell and drummer Bob Siebenberg complained. They demanded almost $ 1.3 million.
The responsible judge Kim McLane Wardlaw now voted in favor of the plaintiffs. A US Court of Appeal decided against the former singer and songwriter Roger Hodgson. He must continue to pay the three former members of the once successful pop and rock band in the world.
Prior judgment canceled
An earlier judgment of a Californian jury that Hodgson’s company had given the right to end the diring contract was lifted by the decision of the Court of Appeal. This remains the contract, and Hodgson has to pay the royalties further.
Background: Supertramp and your greatest success
“Give A Little Bit” comes from the album “Even in the Quietest Moments” published in 1977. Two years later, the British band reached the highlight of their popularity with “Breakfast in America”. The album sold more than 20 million times worldwide.
Hodgson left Supertramp in 1983, but continued to pay royalties to his former colleagues by 2018. In addition to the current lawsuit, the musicians also complained against co -founder Rick Davies for breaking the contract. This case was already included in 2023 out of court.