Levon Helm Studios Dispute Heats Up: Amy Helm Countersues for Control

What's Happening?

Amy Helm, daughter of the late Band drummer Levon Helm, has filed a countersuit against Levon Helm Studios (LHS) in response to a lawsuit from earlier this year. The initial suit, filed in August, accused her of self-dealing, trademark infringement, and causing $2 million in damages to the iconic Woodstock, New York venue. Now, Helm is fighting back, alleging that Brian Parillo, who took over as president of LHS, seized control through improper means.

Allegations of Invalid Corporate Actions

Helm's countersuit claims that Parillo obtained voting power from her stepmother, Sandra Helm, and used it to orchestrate a takeover of the studio. According to the lawsuit, Parillo claimed voting assignments from Sandra Helm and another shareholder, giving him control of 60% of the company's voting power despite owning only 10% of its shares. Helm's attorneys argue that Parillo's actions violated the studio's certificate of incorporation, which requires all shareholders to sign written consents for corporate actions taken without a meeting. They allege that Parillo excluded Helm from management and declared himself the company's director, president, secretary, and treasurer without proper authorization.

Claims of Undue Influence

The countersuit further alleges that Parillo exerted undue influence over Sandra Helm, citing a previous court order that appointed a guardian ad litem for her due to her being 'a person under disability.' Helm's attorneys argue that Parillo took advantage of Sandra Helm's vulnerability to remove Amy Helm as a director and replace himself in the position. The lawsuit also references Sandra Helm's own sworn statement, in which she expressed regret over being 'conned' and 'taken advantage of.'

What this means for you

This legal battle highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of managing a legacy music venue. For independent artists and small venue owners, it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of clear governance structures and the need for transparency in business dealings. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how similar venues are managed in the future.

Source: Pitchfork News