Former KISS Guitarist Sues Lawyers

Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent has filed a lawsuit against his attorneys, alleging both professional negligence and breach of contract. The charges stem from an unsuccessful federal suit Vincent, whose real name is Vincent Cusano, filed against his former bandmates in 1997, which was dismissed earlier this year. Additional charges surrounding Cusano's bankruptcy case are also included. The suit claims that Vincent's lawyers dropped the ball regarding his grudge against his former comrades, and owe him $5.6 million - the value of his lawsuit - as well as compensatory and punitive damages. He claims one attorney withdrew a $2.6 million proposal that a previous lawyer had presented to the other side, calling it "grossly inadequate." He also accuses them of failing to include certain claims in the failed federal case, including foreign royalties and trademark violations, as well as failing to communicate with him in a timely fashion.