The claim is simply that neither the artist, her management or her record company EPIC Records (now Sony Music UK) have permission to use the performances and recordings which bear the work of Paul Cook.

Therefore, the subsequent manufacture and distribution of the recording (Album) now known as ‘Diamond Life’, which has the Singles ‘Smooth Operator’, ‘Your Love Is King’ and ‘Snakebite’, has been released and sold in it’s millions around the world, without the necessary consents and waivers from the original performer, Paul Cook.

All reasonable attempts to address this and reach an amicable resolution, including a financial agreement, with Ms Adu, Sony Music (UK) and their legal counsel have been made by Mr Cook and his legal representatives, RafterMarsh UK.

Unfortunately, the status of the situation requires Cook & Co to take the necessary, costly legal steps and issue a Letter Before Action to the (potentially) infringing parties.

This means that there will be legals fees to be covered. To instruct RafterMarsh UK and, as and when necessary, Kings Counsel (KC). Who will advise and direct RafterMarsh UK throughout the preparation of the necessary Letter Before Action and proceedings which may occur thereafter.

IT IS OUR POSITION THAT:

• Paul Cook was a member of the original band known as SADE.
• Paul Cook played drums for the original band known as SADE.
• Paul Cook performed as a member of the band known as SADE.
• Paul Cook performed as a member of SADE at
• Paul Cook performed on the recordings “Smooth Operator”, “Your Love Is King” and “Snakebite”.
• Paul Cook’s performances feature on the Sony Music (originally released by EPIC Records) recording/Album known as “Diamond Life”.
• “Diamond Life” was released on 16 July 1984
• To date “Diamond Life” has been certified as four (4x) times Platinum in the UK, alone.