Roth is suing Van Halen mates

David Lee Roth has filed a lawsuit against his ex-Van Halen bandmates, accusing them of conspiring to keep money from him.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony diverted royalties and breached their fiduciary duty to Roth.

The singer claims the band signed a Warner Bros. deal in 1996 without his knowledge or authorization for increased royalties from album sales. He claims his losses were estimated to be at least $200,000 at the end of 2001.

Roth was the band’s lead singer for eight years before going solo in 1985. He was reunited with Van Halen briefly in 1996 to record lead vocals on tracks for a greatest hits album.

Band members said they never promised Roth his old job back.