LEGAL FILE

Ringo Starr won a preliminary court battle Thursday in Atlanta to block release of an album he recorded in 1987 that he claims was marred by his drinking problem. Superior Court Judge Clarence Cooper, who earlier imposed a 30-day ban on distribution of the album, agreed to extend the restraining order until Starr’s lawsuit to kill the album is tried, possibly in October. The restraining order blocks CRS Records from releasing the album. Record producer Chips Moman says the record could make $3.5 million if it is released while Starr is on his current U.S. concert tour.