Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Guess Who Tour Launched Amid Lawsuit Against BMI

2/5/2026

37 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman of The Guess Who launched the 'Takin' It Back' tour in Canada after a naming dispute.
Jim Kale and Garry Peterson, former Guess Who members, filed a lawsuit against Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) alleging losses from terminated rights.
The lawsuit says termination was immediate and forced concert cancellations.
BMI denies wrongdoing; the filing seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

History

Historical Context

The Guess Who, a Canadian rock band, rose to fame in 1970 with their hit "American Woman," which topped charts in both Canada and the U.S. However, internal disputes over rights and royalties have persisted since their breakup in 1975. Currently, members Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman are embroiled in a lawsuit against former members over alleged wrongful termination of rights, underscoring ongoing challenges in artist compensation.

1 of 2

Story summary

Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman of The Guess Who launched the 'Takin' It Back' tour in Canada after a naming dispute.
Jim Kale and Garry Peterson, former Guess Who members, filed a lawsuit against Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) alleging losses from terminated rights.
The lawsuit says termination was immediate and forced concert cancellations.
BMI denies wrongdoing; the filing seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

1 / 2