W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless has revealed details about a million-dollar lawsuit involving a former bandmate over song ownership. He shared these details in a recent interview with Eon Music.
The interview addressed why the song “Cries in the Night” wouldn’t be performed on the current tour. Lawless explained the complex legal history behind the track, which evolved from an earlier composition titled “Mr. Cool.”
“Well first of all, that song had a long, sordid history. I wrote it when I was 18,” Lawless explained. “We recorded it in the band Killer Kane, and Arthur [Kane] did a deal that he ended up suing me over. He had absolutely nothing to do with that song, but he found an ambulance chasing lawyer that took on the case and decided to sue me for a million dollars, which they didn’t get.”
Lawless offered additional perspective on the songwriting process: “But, it’s that kind of stuff, and also, additionally to that, all songwriters have songs that they may have early on in their career.”
The revelation coincides with W.A.S.P.’s celebration of their classic 1984 debut album.
The legal dispute over “Mr. Cool” emerged during a pivotal time in both musicians’ careers. This period marked their transition from previous musical ventures.
Research from Last.fm shows the Killer Kane Band formed in Los Angeles after Arthur Kane left the New York Dolls. Lawless joined as a collaborator. The band’s brief but significant run yielded an EP featuring “Mr. Cool,” “Longhaired Woman,” and “Don’t Need You.”
Documentation from Vice described the band’s musical style as gritty, Alice Cooper-styled proto-punk. This sound reflected the diverse influences both artists brought to the project.
Historical records on WASP Fire highlight the collaboration between Lawless and Kane as a crucial transitional phase. Their partnership eventually ended due to creative and legal tensions.
The song “Cries in the Night” remains significant despite its legal complications. It stands as a testament to Lawless’s early songwriting career before his success with W.A.S.P. and their influential 1984 debut album.
