Jay Bennett was a part of Wilco for nearly a decade. During his tenure with the band, there were disagreements about Wilco’s sound with frontman Jeff Tweedy. When Bennet left the band in 2001he embarked on his solo career. Fast forward to 2009 Jay sued Jeff for breach-of-contract that was about his work with Wilco.
Bennett filed the suit less than two weeks after he publicly revealed that he needed hip replacement surgery that he couldn’t afford. According to the lawsuit reported by the Tribune, Jay wanted over $50,000 in damages in royalties from the Wilco recordings he was a part of, as well as compensation for his part in the 2002 Wilco documentary ‘I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.’
On the other hand, Tweedy shared his statement to Paste Magazine of what he thought of the lawsuit by saying:
“I know exactly as much as everyone else does. I’ve read the news and I honestly have no idea what these claims are based on. It was such a long time ago. Aside from everything else, I’m being sued for not paying someone for appearing in a movie I didn’t produce. Go figure.”
The frontman also shared that he was innocent. He expressed:
“I am truly sad it has come to this. I am equally convinced, however, that I have done nothing wrong and that this will be handled fairly and swiftly.”
Just a few weeks later after Jay filed his lawsuit, the rocker died in his sleep. Authorities revealed that the guitarist’s death was an accidental overdose caused by his prescription pain killer.
Even though Jay went to court for royalties against Jeff, the frontman made a brief statement on Wilco’s official website after the guitarist unexpected passing. He said:
“We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we remember him – as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band’s songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time.”
You can read Jeff Tweedy’s 2009 statement in Paste Magazine here.
