RUSH Members Seeking Millions Over New Year's Scuffle

November 11, 2005

John Henderson of the Naples Daily News has issued the following report:

Members of the internationally known rock group RUSH are seeking "tens of millions of dollars" in federal court from Collier County Sheriff's Office deputies and the Naples hotel where their lead guitarist was involved in a New Year's Eve scuffle.

In an amended complaint recently filed to a civil lawsuit, Alex Zivojinovich's fellow band members could now become plaintiffs in the case, and end up testifying locally in depositions or at trial.

Filed in U.S. District Court in Fort Myers, the amended complaint requests that singer Geddy Lee Weinrib and drummer Neil Peart, as well as different RUSH management companies, become new plaintiffs.

The lawsuit is seeking damages in excess of $75,000.

Zivojinovich's lawyer Michael McDonnell said the actual damages to the band add up to "tens of millions of dollars."

The amended lawsuit states that the injuries suffered by Zivojinovich at the hands of deputies caused a reduction in the band's touring performances and recording sessions, which resulted in a loss of revenue.

But Richard Giuffreda, a Fort Lauderdale attorney who represents the deputies and is being paid from a Sheriff's Office insurance fund, said the judge in the case would have to allow the other band members to be brought into the case. He expects the judge will, but said that doesn't mean the allegation will be proven.

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