Former Live Members Demand Ed Kowalczyk Stop Using Band's Name

Guitarists Chad Taylor and Chad Gracey issue cease-and-desist letter to original frontman

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two founding members of the rock band Live have issued a cease-and-desist letter to original frontman Ed Kowalczyk, demanding that he stop using the Live name for his touring and commercial activities. The letter, sent by guitarists Chad Taylor and Chad Gracey, states that Kowalczyk's rights to the Live trademark were revoked by the company that owns the band's intellectual property.

Why it matters

The dispute over the Live name highlights the ongoing legal battles and tensions within the band, which originally split up in 2009 after a series of lawsuits and disagreements. The cease-and-desist letter represents the latest chapter in the long-running conflict between Kowalczyk and the other founding members of the popular 1990s rock group.

The details

According to the cease-and-desist letter, the owners of Live's trademarks, a company called Action Front Unlimited, Inc., have revoked Kowalczyk's rights to use the Live name 'in connection with touring, merchandising, recording, advertising, promotion, branding, or any other commercial activity.' The letter was posted on social media by Taylor and Gracey, who were part of Live's original lineup alongside bassist Patrick Dahlheimer. The band members have been embroiled in legal battles over the use of the Live name since Kowalczyk was briefly replaced by singer Chris Shinn in 2012, before returning to the group in 2016.

  • In 2010, Live's non-singing members filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Kowalczyk.
  • In 2012, Taylor, Gracey, and Dahlheimer sued Kowalczyk via Action Front Unlimited for trademark infringement.
  • In 2022, Kowalczyk allegedly fired the other musicians, taking control of the band.
  • In May 2025, Gracey posted a video of himself performing with Shinn on vocals.
  • As of February 16, 2026, Kowalczyk's rights to use the Live brand were revoked by Action Front Unlimited.

The players

Ed Kowalczyk

The original frontman of the rock band Live, who has continued to tour and perform under the Live name despite legal disputes with other founding members.

Chad Taylor

A guitarist and founding member of Live, who has posted the cease-and-desist letter to Kowalczyk on social media.

Chad Gracey

The drummer and a founding member of Live, who has also posted the cease-and-desist letter to Kowalczyk on social media.

Patrick Dahlheimer

The bassist and a founding member of Live, who has been involved in the legal battles over the use of the Live name.

Action Front Unlimited, Inc.

The company that owns the trademarks for the Live band name and has revoked Kowalczyk's rights to use it.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As of Feb. 16, 2026, [Kowalczyk's] rights to use the LIVE brand were revoked by AFU.”

— Chad Taylor, Guitarist (Instagram)

“Your license is revoked...”

— Chad Gracey, Drummer (Instagram)

What’s next

The courts will handle the dispute over the use of the Live name, as the band's founding members continue their legal battle with Kowalczyk.

The takeaway

The ongoing conflict over the Live name highlights the complex legal and personal issues that can arise when a successful band breaks up, with former members fighting to maintain control over the group's identity and legacy.