I'm presently doing promo work for my book and new album, so lately I've been speaking with a lot of journalists and attented quite a few TV shows.
Since some of the stuff in the book seemingly is very controversial the Swedish media have been all over this story. Surprisingly, what the media seem to find the most provocative about the book is the part when I'm talking about the fact that my ex band Europe need to reach a settlement with me to continue using the brand name since I own 20% of it.
When I joined the band in 1987 I bought the previous guitarist John Norum's rights, for the past as well as the future, for one million Swedish Crowns. So since they reunited the band without me they're actually committing copyright infringement.
For some reason the following question has been asked several times by journalists this past week:
"Aren't you concerned about people thinking the only reason you're doing this is because you're bitter?"
?
I wonder if they would have asked me that same question if I was a co-owner of Volvo?
"Sören, you own 20% of Volvo, and the board have decided to cut you out and give all your shares to the guy you once bought them from, and they're not going to compensate you financially. Now you are taking them to court. Why?"
"Aren't you concerned about people thinking the only reason you're doing this is because you're bitter?"
I think not!
Obviously people have not yet accepted musicianship as being a "real" job, what other explanation could there possibly be? In the corporate world financial settlements are rarely being questioned, even after serious wrongdoings on the behalf of the endorsee. And this is far from the case here.
Am I bitter? Not the slightest - as a matter of fact, I've never been more satisfied with my life!
I just want what's rightfully mine so I can get back to living my dream.
Cheers
Kee
