A legal dispute involving the iconic band Kiss and a former wig roadie has reached a resolution outside of court. The presiding judge had cautioned the band about the potential “serious risk” of proceeding to trial, indicating a strong possibility of an unfavorable outcome. This warning likely influenced the decision to settle the case before it escalated further.

David Mathews, who dedicated over 30 years of his life working with Kiss, alleged mistreatment during tours, culminating in claims of wrongful termination. With a trial initially scheduled to commence this month, the situation took a turn when a court clerk informed Rolling Stone that the trial had been canceled, paving the way for a hearing in March to unveil the details of their settlement, which remain undisclosed for now.

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Mathews filed a six-point complaint against the band, claiming he was compelled to work closely with Gene Simmons, despite existing COVID exposure protocols. He contended that his termination was a direct consequence of manager Doc McGhee’s belief that he had leaked sensitive information regarding the band’s health protocols to the media. This speculation arose after the tragic passing of another crew member, Fran Stueber, who died from COVID-19 while on tour in 2021. Mathews has firmly denied any involvement in sharing information with reporters.

Judge Warned of Potential High Stakes in Kiss Lawsuit

During a preliminary hearing, L.A. County Superior Court Judge Armen Tamzarian expressed that if the case were to go to trial, the outcome could be unpredictable. He remarked, “If this goes to trial, it would not surprise me if Mr. Mathews got nothing. It would not surprise me if he made a big pot of money.” The judge highlighted the inherent risks involved, stating, “This is the kind of case any rational person would settle. There’s a big risk this could swing dramatically one way or the other.”

Moreover, Judge Tamzarian pointed out that if Mathews were to win, “there are deep, deep pockets there, and there could be a big result.” He cautioned both parties, stating, “You’re both overconfident in your positions,” emphasizing the unpredictable nature of legal disputes in the entertainment industry.