Dimebag Darrell 's estate ended its long-standing partnership with Dean Guitars, the company responsible for models bearing the guitarist's signature , and entered into a legal dispute with the firm after 17 years of agreement.
The decision was announced by Rita Haney , the late musician's girlfriend and administrator of Dimebag's estate. In a statement published on the artist's official website, she explained the reasons for the lawsuit against the brand of musical instruments that the musician preferred throughout his career.
“It was necessary to end the endorsement of Dean Guitars to continue to honor and celebrate Dime’s legacy in the way he deserves, and the way he would have wanted. (…) As you know, after signing the deal with the brand in 2004, Dime was ecstatic to finally be working with Mr. Dean Zelinsky , who has been out of the company since 2008,” the statement begins. “Darrell said many times that [the partnership] was like coming home, where he belonged. It was a source of great pride.”
Aware of the importance of the partnership to the guitarist, Rita explains that she used Dimebag's own writings to reach a conclusion that he would have approved of while he was still alive. “I made several attempts to resolve our dispute amicably. However, it became clear to me that the relationship had come to an end when the company's new CEO told me that Dime has been dead for 16 years and they aren't making as much profit. So, basically, he's no longer useful? Then they kept telling me we should go somewhere else. Well… we will!”, she continued.
The court documents were made available in full on Dimebag Darrell's website , including accusations of breach of contract and disrespect for the musician's legacy on the part of Dean Guitars, as well as the registration of the Razorback guitar model carried out "fraudulently and without the knowledge" of Dimebag.
Response from Dean Guitars
Evan Rubinson , president and CEO of the brand, issued a statement in response to the lawsuit, denying any disrespect to the legacy of the artist or his brother, Vinnie Paul. “It is unfortunate that Ms. Haney has allowed her unrealistic demands and accusations to dictate the future of Dimebag Darrell’s legacy in the absence of his immediate family. Dean Guitars is proud to have played a role in ensuring that Dime’s legacy has not only survived but thrived over the past 17 years,” he said (via Knotfest ). “Ms. Haney’s claims – in all areas – are unfounded, without merit, and not based on reality. We will allow the whole truth to come to light as the legal process runs its course.”
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