The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach Sued Over Howlin’ Wolf Documentary

The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach Sued Over Howlin’ Wolf Documentary

The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach has been sued over his involvement in a planned documentary about the iconic Chicago blues musician Howlin’ WolfTHR reportsSmokestack Lightning: The Legendary Howlin’ Wolf is a film featuring interviews with musicians including Auerbach, Jimmy Page, Buddy Guy, and Bill Wyman. Production company Smokestack Lightning Inc. claim Auerbach verbally agreed to serve as the film’s director and executive producer.

After gaining creative control, the complaint states Auerbach “demanded certain material alterations and vast expansions” while the film was in post-production. The production company claimed Auerbach requested new interviews, additional licensed material, a new writer, “an entirely new camera and filming format,” and more. Producers claimed that whenever they expressed discomfort with rising costs, Auerbach’s team threatened to back out of the project. Smokestack claim they went along with his requests, but Auerbach ultimately left the project, reportedly refusing to reimburse producers for his changes.

Smokestack Lightning Inc. is suing Auerbach for breach of a verbal agreement, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unfair business practices, and negligent misrepresentation. The company seeks $100,000. Pitchfork has reached out to Auerbach’s representatives for comment.

Comments are closed.