Cro-Mags founder Harley Flanagan suing band over name

Harley Flanagan, founder and former bassist of legendary New York hardcore act Cro-Mags, is suing members of the band for illegally appropriating the Cro-Mags name, according to the New York Post. Flanagan, claims that the Cro-Mags were "his idea and his alone" when he launched the band in 1981. In 2002, Flanagan parted ways with the Cro-Mags. The lawsuit states that "Flanagan's first son was about to be born … and Flanagan had to stop touring to help with the baby." Afterwards, vocalist John Joseph et al. carried on as the Cro-Mags, allegedly using the name without Flanagan's permission. According to the Post, a portion of the suit pertains to copyright infringement, as Flanagan claims to have "trademarked the 'Cro-Mags' name for recording in 2010 and for merchandise in 2009 and then again in 2017." Animus between Flanagan and his former bandmates isn't a new development. You may recall that in 2012, Flanagan attacked members of the band with a knife at a New York City show, sending two men (including bassist Michael Couls) to the hospital. Assault charges against Flanagan were ultimately dismissed.