Rocker Art Alexakis files for bankruptcy in California court

I really like Everclear. I met Art a few times and he seemed like a nice enough guy. I wish him luck... 3 mil in debt, wow.



Everclear singer files for bankruptcy



The Oregonian

Monday, January 10, 2005



IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Rocker Art Alexakis files for bankruptcy in California court

by Marty Hughley



Portland's biggest rock star has filed for bankruptcy.



Art Alexakis, who as the leader of the band Everclear has toured the world and made million-selling CDs, filed for Chapter 11 debt reorganization last week in United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California.



The filing last Tuesday, under the name Arthur Paul Alexakis, listed a Venice, Calif., address, though it also contains items related to his Southeast Portland residence.



An outgoing message on Alexakis' voice mail said he was in Mexico. The singer, his manager and his attorney for the bankruptcy did not immediately return calls seeking comment.



According to the filing, Alexakis owes a federal tax bill for the years 1999, 2001 and 2002 of $2.75 million, as well as nearly $230,000 to the Oregon Department of Revenue and more than $120,000 in credit card debt spread over several accounts.



Although Alexakis was divorced last year for the third time, there is no indication in the filings that alimony or child support have played a role in his financial straits.



In an interview with The Oregonian last August, Alexakis repeatedly said that the past year had been difficult, and that stress had contributed to his losing 40 pounds. An outspoken supporter of Democratic candidates and causes, he said that he wasn't able to make political campaign contributions as large as he had in the past.



During the period when his tax debt originated, Alexakis was experiencing his greatest commercial success. The album "So Much for the Afterglow," released in October of 1997, was certified double-platinum (indicating U.S. sales of 2 million copies) by the following year, and the group was doing strong business as a touring act. "Songs From an American Movie, Vol. 1: Learning How to Smile," from 2000 also went platinum, the third Everclear release to reach that status.



But the band's album sales have since plummeted. According to figures supplied by Capitol Records, 2003's "Slow Motion Daydream" has sold a little more than 100,000 copies, and "Ten Years Gone: The Best of Everclear 1994-2004" has sold less than 40,000 copies since it came out in October.