The J. Geils Band's upcoming live dates will not include J. Geils himself. The group launches a nine-date northeast run on August 25 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, but guitarist John Geils is sitting out due to a dispute between Francesca Records, which releases his solo albums, and the rest of the band. In a statement, the Geils group said it's challenging what it says is the label's "baseless claim to ownership and control of the rights to the name 'J. Geils Band.' Unfortunately John Geils' decision to align with Francesca Records has hindered a working relationship with the J Geils Band." Geils joins original drummer Stephen Jo Bladd on the sidelines; Bladd has not played with the group since it broke up in 1985. The Geils tour does not include a Detroit date yet, although there are talks of an appearance in these parts later this year.