Did you know there are two Gallaghers?
I just learned that. I had no clue. How bizarre!
Here's the story (from that shitty source of information, Wikipedia):
At some point during the early 90s, Gallagher's younger brother Ron Gallagher asked Gallagher for permission to perform shows using Gallagher's old routines, and also using Gallagher's trademark Sledge-O-Matic routine. The idea was that Ron Gallagher, who was unemployed, would tour the country working small venues that couldn't afford a show put on by Gallagher himself. Since Ron bears a strong family resemblance to his older brother, the show would be almost like having a real Gallagher show.
Gallagher granted his blessing to his younger brother on the condition that Ron and his manager would make it clear in their promotional materials that it was Ron Gallagher, not Gallagher himself, that was putting on the show.
After a few years of complying with Gallagher's conditions, Ron began subtly blurring the line between his act and that of his brother. He would often promote his act as "Gallagher Too," a moniker Gallagher felt was insufficiently informative. In some instances, Ron's act was promoted in a way that provided no clue to prospective attendees that they were seeing someone other than Gallagher himself.
Gallagher initially attempted to get his brother to stop these activities by requesting that he stop using Gallagher's well-known Sledge-O-Matic routine. These efforts proved fruitless, and Ron kept touring as "Gallagher Too" while using the Sledge-O-Matic routine his older brother had made famous. Consequently, in August 2000, Gallagher sued his brother for trademark violations and false advertising. The courts ultimately sided with Leo Gallagher, and an injunction was granted prohibiting Ron from performing any act that impersonates his brother in small clubs and venues.
During the lawsuit, all of Gallagher's immediate family sided with Ron over the controversy. As a consequence, Gallagher is now estranged from his parents and siblings.
Now personally, I could not see myself suing either of my siblings, no matter what they had done. Would you ever sue one of your brothers or sisters? Would your family side with you or them?
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