Paramore and former bassist in legal dispute

It looks like Jeremy Davis’ departure from Paramore wasn’t completely amicable after all. On Friday (March 4), an article published by the Tennessean reported that the former bassist is being sued by Varoom Whoa, the business entity that owns Paramore. The lawsuit filed by the company is on the premise of whether or not Davis was an employee or partner in the business aspects of the band. If he does end up being classified a partner in Varoom Whoa, then it means that he is entitled to a split of all revenues even though he is no longer in the band.

The company, which is full owned by Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams, filed the suit back in February. According to the band’s contract with Atlantic Records, Williams is the only one signed to the label meaning the band members are paid as employees, or as the online publication writes, “she pays her band members as employees.”

“Nevertheless, because she wanted to foster a feeling of camaraderie within the band, at her direction, the band members’ salaries included a portion of Williams’ earnings,” the initial lawsuit says, according to the Tennessean. On Friday, Davis filed a counterclaim on the basis that Paramore began as a partnership that he and Williams founded. Prior to officially joining the lineup, guitarist Taylor York was classified as an employee before becoming a partner when he became a permanent member of the band.

“Davis, Williams and York shared equally in all net profits generated by the partnership, from any and all sources, including but not limited to the Atlantic agreement,” claims Davis in the counterclaim. In addition to that, Davis claims that he was responsible for various duties in the band outside of performances such as hiring musicians and crew, making decisions for the band, and creating and managing staging and lighting. Davis officially left Paramore back in December of 2015, with the remaining members advising their fans about the departure. Davis’ 2015 departure was not the first time the bassist left the band. Back in 2004, around the time the band was first forming, he left the group for about six months for “personal reasons.” He was soon asked to return to the band, which he did, and stayed with them until the end of 2015.

The counterclaim from Davis came a day before Williams and York were scheduled to hit the high seas for the 2016 incarnation of their PARAHOY! cruise alongside New Found Glory, Lights, CHVRCHES, and more.

Paramore Part Ways with Longtime Bassist

Guess Paramore is no longer into their bassist. On Monday evening (Dec. 14), the band took to Facebook to inform their fans that longtime bassist and co-founder, Jeremy Davis, had left the band. In the lengthy post, the band which now consists of frontwoman Hayley Williams and Taylor York, begin the letter by reminiscing about the “Self-Titled era” and how it was the “most fulfilling moments” of their lives.

Then, things take a turn for the worse when they reveal that the post had been “written and re-written [this] countless times.” They follow it up by ripping the bandage off and revealing that Davis had left the band. There is no exact reason given as to why Davis decided to leave the band, but it does sound like he may have another project in the works. Read Paramore’s complete Facebook post below.

“These last few years have held some of the most fulfilling moments we’ve had yet… as people, as friends, and as a band. The Self-Titled era was one that we knew would be important for us but also one we’d eventually have to move on from. In moving forward, there is growth, pain, and change… and sometimes the change is not at all what you hoped for. We’ve written and re-written this countless times and there’s just not a good way to put it… Jeremy is no longer going to be in the band with us. To be honest, this has been really painful. After taking time to consider how to move forward, we ultimately found that we really do believe Paramore can and should continue on. And so we will.

We’re really thankful for the people who have helped see us through hard times before and what we’ve discovered is that those people are just as much a part of this as we will ever be. We’re hopeful for Paramore’s future and we’re also excited for what Jeremy’s going to do next. Thank you all for your support and your belief in us. It’s kept us going. We will see some of you really soon on Parahoy. If you’re not coming on the cruise, we will still see you in 2016.”

Davis’ recent departure is not the first time that the bassist has left the band. Back in 2004, around the time that the band was first forming, he left the band for about six months for “personal reasons.” He was soon asked to return to the group, which he did, and stayed with them until his departure on Monday.

This, of course, isn’t the first major lineup shake-up from the Paramore camp. In 2010, co-founders/lead guitarist Josh Farro and drummer Zac Farro both left the band though, as we all know, it was not on good terms. Since then, the Farro brothers have been doing their own thing in the music world with Josh recently releasing new music under the monkier, Farro.

As for Paramore, it doesn’t sound like they’ll be slowing down any time soon, at least according to the letter. While there is no mention of new music, the band will be heading out on the second voyage of their PARAHOY! Cruise which was announced back in October. The four-day excursion will feature performances from Paramore, X Ambassadors, LIGHTS, mewithoutYou, Vacationer, New Found Glory, and CHVRCHES. Passengers, and the bands alike, will also get the chance to visit Miami and Cozumel, Mexico during the trip.