Former Live Member Files Cease and Desist Over Ed Kowalczyk's Use of Band Name

Chad Taylor claims Kowalczyk lacks authority to use the Live brand after being fired from the band.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Former Live guitarist Chad Taylor has filed a cease and desist letter against frontman Ed Kowalczyk over his continued use of the Live band name. Taylor claims he was not 'fired' by Kowalczyk and remains a founding shareholder and director of the company that owns the Live trademarks. Kowalczyk previously left Live in 2009 but reunited with the band in 2016 after legal proceedings over his solo use of the name.

Why it matters

The long-running legal drama within the band Live highlights the complexities around intellectual property rights and band name ownership, especially when founding members have disputes over control and leadership.

The details

In 2022, Kowalczyk claimed majority control of Live and fired Taylor from the band. However, Taylor says he was not actually 'fired' and remains a founding shareholder and director of the company that owns the Live name and trademarks. Taylor has now filed a cease and desist letter stating that as of February 16, 2026, Kowalczyk's rights to use the Live brand were revoked by the company.

  • In 2022, Kowalczyk claimed majority control of Live and fired Taylor from the band.
  • On February 16, 2026, Taylor states that Kowalczyk's rights to use the Live brand were revoked.

The players

Chad Taylor

Former guitarist of the band Live who claims he was not 'fired' by Ed Kowalczyk and remains a founding shareholder and director of the company that owns the Live trademarks.

Ed Kowalczyk

Frontman of the band Live who claimed majority control of the band in 2022 and has been touring as Live without the three other founding members.

Action Front Unlimited, Inc.

The company that owns the Live name and trademarks, according to Chad Taylor.

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What they’re saying

“I was not 'fired.' Ed never had the authority to remove me.”

— Chad Taylor, Former Live Guitarist (Instagram)

“I remain a founding shareholder and director of Action Front Unlimited, Inc. — the company that owns the LIVE name and trademarks. As of Feb 16, 2026, his rights to use the LIVE brand were revoked by AFU.”

— Chad Taylor, Former Live Guitarist (Instagram)

“Your license is revoked.”

— Chad Gracey, Live Drummer (Instagram)

What’s next

The courts will handle the legal dispute over the Live band name and trademarks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal battles that can arise when founding members of a successful band have disputes over control and ownership of the group's intellectual property, even years after the band's initial success.