Flatley Secures Music Rights for “Lord of the Dance” in Major Legal Win
In a significant development for the iconic “Lord of the Dance” production, Michael Flatley has successfully regained control over the music rights associated with the show. This achievement comes after a substantial seven-figure buyout facilitated by a company backed by his close associates, billionaire construction magnate Maurice Regan and developer Luke Comer.
The announcement was made just hours before the latest performance of the tour was scheduled to commence in Zagreb, Croatia. It confirmed that Flatley’s former business partner, Switzer Consulting, had been compensated and effectively removed from their contractual role in managing the tour. This marks the latest chapter in an ongoing and at times acrimonious legal dispute between Flatley and Switzer Consulting, which had been responsible for the tour’s operational management.
Legal Battles and Court Orders
According to a statement released by Flatley’s solicitors, Creed McStay, Switzer Consulting was formally instructed to “cease and desist” from any further use of the “Lord of the Dance” music. This directive followed a crucial order from the Belfast High Court earlier in the week. The court’s ruling stipulated that Switzer Consulting must not interfere with or disrupt the “Lord of the Dance – 30th Anniversary Tour.” Furthermore, the order prohibited any interference with cast or crew members and explicitly forbade Switzer Consulting from asserting any authority, ownership, or entitlement over the show.
The Belfast High Court has previously heard details surrounding a July 2024 agreement that had granted Switzer Consulting the mandate to manage the tour. This agreement was reportedly established after a significant falling out between Michael Flatley and Philip Moross, who had initially formed a partnership in 2019 to oversee the “Lord of the Dance” enterprise.
Financial Dealings and Royalty Agreements
The court was informed that at the time of their partnership’s formation, Mr. Moross, associated with the music services group Cutting Edge, was owed a considerable sum of £2.9 million (approximately €3.35 million) by Flatley. This debt was to be repaid incrementally, with half of the royalties generated from the “Lord of the Dance” shows allocated towards its settlement. Flatley was to receive the remaining 50% of the royalties. Concurrently, Switzer Consulting was to be compensated with monthly management fees. These fees were set at £35,000 (around €40,000) per month for the initial 24 months of the tour’s operation, with an increase to £40,000 (approximately €46,000) per month thereafter.
However, by January of the current year, the court heard that Mr. Moross had only received just under €500,000 under the terms of this agreement, indicating a significant shortfall in the repayment schedule.
Shawdale Holdings Steps In
The statement issued on behalf of Michael Flatley clearly outlined the new arrangement: “Shawdale Holdings Limited, a company jointly owned by Mr Maurice Regan and Mr Luke Comer, with the consent of Mr Michael Flatley, has today acquired all rights and interests previously held by Cutting Edge Group Limited in connection with the Lord of the Dance.” The statement further emphasised that “All financial obligations between the parties have been performed and discharged in full leaving no amounts whatsoever owing by Mr Flatley to Cutting Edge.”
Shawdale Holdings Limited, now holding the music rights, acknowledged the unauthorised use of these rights and, as mentioned, issued the necessary cease and desist notices to the relevant parties. The statement also confirmed that all entities subject to the injunction granted by Mr Justice Huddlestone in the Belfast High Court had been formally notified that they possess no entitlement to utilise the grand rights associated with the “Lord of the Dance” music.
A History of Support from Regan and Comer
This is not the first instance of Maurice Regan and Luke Comer providing crucial support to Michael Flatley. In January, they collectively injected half a million euros to assist Flatley in overturning a previous injunction secured by Switzer. That earlier injunction had temporarily barred Flatley from participating in the tour. The Belfast High Court was informed that these funds originated from Stolensky, described as an “investment company which has had dealings for some time” with the renowned dancer. Stolensky is a lending entity under the control of Mr Regan.
The court also noted that Stolensky, a company registered in Dublin, possessed “unencumbered assets in excess of €50 million” and was prepared to cover any outstanding monthly service fees due to Switzer. A source closely associated with Flatley also confirmed to the Irish Daily Mail that Luke Comer, a prominent figure in the racing and development sectors, had likewise lent his support.
Rescuing Castlehyde Mansion
Furthermore, Mr Regan and Mr Comer have a history of collaborating to assist Flatley in safeguarding his cherished Castlehyde mansion from receivership. In January of the preceding year, they provided the dancer with a €7 million loan. This financial intervention followed an alleged default on a €6.5 million debt that was secured against the Castlehyde estate.
Michael Flatley, a neighbour to John Magnier’s prestigious Coolmore operation, owns Castlehyde Stud, a National Hunt stallion farm, which is situated in close proximity to Flatley’s estate in Ireland.
Maurice Regan’s name also surfaced in the High Court in Dublin last year as a rival bidder for the expansive 750-acre Barne Estate in County Tipperary, a property that Mr. Magnier was also seeking to acquire. During that legal proceeding, it was suggested that Mr. Regan and Mr. Magnier were engaged in a significant dispute, described as being “at war.”
The Business Empires of Regan and Comer
Maurice Regan, originally from County Kerry, established the New York-based construction powerhouse JT Magen in 1992 and continues to serve as its chief executive. Alongside his wife Samantha, Mr. Regan is also the proprietor of Newtown Anner Stud, a notable establishment located near Clonmel.
Luke Comer amassed his considerable fortune by developing a vast property empire spanning across Europe, America, and Africa. He also maintains a strong engagement with the horse racing and breeding industry. However, his involvement in racing faced a setback when he received a three-year training ban in 2023, following a doping scandal.
