Limp Bizkit Takes Legal Action Against Universal Over Massive Royalty Dispute

Gavel and hundred dollar bills on table.

Limp Bizkit, the iconic 90s nu-metal band, has filed a $200 million lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) for unpaid royalties, exposing a potential industry-wide issue of financial misconduct.

At a Glance

Limp Bizkit sues UMG for $200 million in unpaid royalties
Lawsuit filed by frontman Fred Durst on October 8, 2024, in California
Band claims UMG misrepresented accounts and withheld royalties from early albums
Limp Bizkit seeks to terminate contracts with UMG and demands over $200 million in damages

The Lawsuit: A Battle for Unpaid Millions

On October 8, 2024, Fred Durst, the frontman of Limp Bizkit, took a stand against music industry giant Universal Music Group (UMG) by filing a $200 million lawsuit in California. The lawsuit alleges that UMG has engaged in fraudulent accounting practices and withheld millions in royalties owed to the band and artists under Durst’s Flawless Records label.

The complaint accuses UMG of misrepresenting accounts as “unrecouped” and withholding royalties from the band’s early albums. This shocking revelation comes despite Limp Bizkit’s impressive track record of over 45 million records sold globally and significant streaming numbers.

Limp Bizkit sues Universal Music Group for $200 million, alleging years of unpaid royalties https://t.co/QP6NPSQitj

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) October 10, 2024

The Royalty Dispute: A Long-Standing Issue

The roots of this dispute trace back to Limp Bizkit’s 1996 agreement with Flip Records, which was later amended by an Interscope deal in 2000. Under this arrangement, UMG became responsible for paying royalties to the band. However, Durst claims that he never received royalty payments, despite the band’s massive success.

Legal representatives for the band discovered that Limp Bizkit’s royalties were fully recouped in 2019, contradicting UMG’s claims. Access to UMG’s database revealed $1.04 million in unpaid royalties to the band and an additional $2.35 million owed to Flawless Records.

The Allegations: Fraudulent Practices and Concealment

The lawsuit highlights missing royalty statements since 1997 and disputes over inflated recoupment costs. UMG allegedly withheld royalties to recoup $43 million spent on the band, a claim that Limp Bizkit vehemently contests.

“Despite this tremendous ‘come back,’ the band had still not been paid a single cent by UMG in any royalties until taking action against UMG,” reads the lawsuit.

The complaint suggests that Universal Music never intended to pay royalties, despite having necessary information from past advances. This alleged deception has prompted Durst and Limp Bizkit to seek termination of their contracts with UMG and demand over $200 million in damages.

Industry Implications and Band’s Future

This lawsuit coincides with Limp Bizkit’s resurgence, as the band continues to enjoy success in shows and streaming. Their assets have grown significantly since 2017, with a 68% surge in the past year alone. The band is set to support Metallica’s 2025 North American tour, alongside Suicidal Tendencies and Pantera, showcasing their enduring popularity.

As the music industry watches this legal battle unfold, it may set a precedent for other artists to scrutinize their royalty arrangements. Universal Music Group has yet to comment on the lawsuit, leaving many to speculate about the potential ripple effects across the industry.