Mike Malinin, the drummer for the Goo Goo Dolls, left the band because he was reportedly fired in late 2014 while on paternity leave. His dismissal, which he claimed was sudden, led him to file a lawsuit against the band.
Circumstances Surrounding Mike Malinin's Departure
Mike Malinin had a long tenure with the Goo Goo Dolls, having been with the band for 19 years. He joined the group in 1995, specifically during the tour for their album A Boy Named Goo, becoming a consistent presence during their rise to prominence.
His separation from the band was abrupt and contentious:
- Unexpected Firing: Malinin stated he was fired "out of the blue."
- Paternity Leave: This dismissal occurred while he was on paternity leave. His wife had given birth to their twin son and daughter less than a month before he was let go from the band.
- Legal Action: In November 2014, Malinin filed a lawsuit regarding his termination, signaling a dispute over the terms and reasons for his exit.
This sequence of events indicates that Mike Malinin's departure was not a voluntary one but rather a termination that occurred at a sensitive personal time for him, leading to legal action.