Live Band Dispute: Founding Members Revoke Ed Kowalczyk’s Rights to Band Name
Just days before launching their Canadian tour, the band Live is embroiled in a legal battle as former members Chad Taylor and Chad Gracey have issued a cease and desist to frontman Ed Kowalczyk. The dispute centers around the ownership of the band’s name, with Taylor and Gracey asserting Kowalczyk no longer has the right to use “Live” in connection with his performances.
The Core of the Conflict: Action Front Unlimited
At the heart of the issue is Action Front Unlimited (AFU), a company founded by Taylor, Gracey, and bassist Patrick Dahlheimer. According to the cease and desist letter, AFU is the “exclusive owner” of the trademarks and intellectual property associated with Live. Taylor emphasized his continued stake in the company, stating he remains a founding shareholder and director.
A History of Legal Battles
The relationship between Kowalczyk and the other members of Live has been fraught with legal challenges since 2008, when Kowalczyk initially departed. In 2012, AFU sued Kowalczyk over his use of the billing “Ed Kowalczyk of Live,” and Kowalczyk subsequently filed a countersuit. The band briefly reunited between 2016 and 2022, before Kowalczyk removed Taylor, Gracey, and Dahlheimer and continued touring under the Live name.
The 2022 Split and Kowalczyk’s Touring
Kowalczyk’s claim to have “fired” the rest of the band is disputed by Taylor, who asserts Kowalczyk lacked the authority to remove him. Kowalczyk has been touring as +LIVE+, a variation of the band’s name, but this hasn’t deterred Taylor and Gracey from pursuing legal action.
Current Tour and Ticket Availability
Despite the legal challenge, tickets for the +LIVE+ “Like A Rollin’ Thunder Tour” across Canada remain available on Ticketmaster as of February 20, 2026. The tour features support from Big Wreck and Econoline Crush.
Tour Dates:
- 2/23 Abbotsford, British Columbia @ Abbotsford Centre
- 2/24 Kelowna, British Columbia @ Prospera Place
- 2/26 Tsuut’ina, Alberta @ Grey Eagle Event Centre
- 2/27 Edmonton, Alberta @ Rogers Place
- 3/1 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan @ Saktel Centre
- 3/2 Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Canada Life Centre
- 3/5 Hamilton, Ontario @ TD Coliseum
- 3/6 Ottawa, Ontario @ Canadian Tire Centre
- 3/7 London, Ontario @ Canada Life Place
- 3/9 Oshawa, Ontario @ Tribute Communities Centre
- 3/10 Laval, Quebec @ Place Bell
- 3/11 Quebec City, Quebec @ Centre Videotron
- 3/13 Moncton, New Brunswick @ Avenir Centre
- 3/14 Halifax, Nova Scotia @ Scotiabank Centre
Legal Response and Future Outlook
Ed Kowalczyk’s attorney, Mitchell Schuster, has stated that the assertions in the cease and desist letter are “without merit” and that Kowalczyk remains the band’s frontman. The legal battle is expected to continue in court, with both sides confident in their position.
FAQ
Q: What is Action Front Unlimited?
A: It’s a company founded by Chad Taylor, Chad Gracey, and Patrick Dahlheimer that owns the trademarks and intellectual property associated with the band Live.
Q: Is the +LIVE+ tour still happening?
A: As of February 20, 2026, tickets are still available on Ticketmaster, but the tour’s future is uncertain pending the outcome of the legal dispute.
Q: What was the original name of the band Live?
A: The band was originally formed in 1984 under the name First Aid.
Q: Has there been previous legal action between the band members?
A: Yes, there have been multiple lawsuits filed since 2008, including disputes over touring rights and trademark infringement.
Did you know? Live’s breakthrough album, Throwing Copper, released in 1994, propelled the band to international fame with hits like “Selling the Drama” and “Lightning Crashes.”
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. Explore our other music news articles for more insights into the industry.
