What's the reason for this Orange County-based punk band's recording hiatus? A ridiculous lawsuit filed by entertainment magazine Daily Variety over the album cover of Hollywood Potato Chip. The lawsuit has been a problem for the past few years, but the members of the Vandals are through with being harassed, are now fighting back, and you can help.

The Vandals and their unique blend of comedy and punk rock have been a mainstay in Southern California for decades. But if you don't know them off-hand, you may have heard No Doubt cover one of their songs, or have heard of their famous drummer.

This situation between the Vandals and Daily Variety has gone on for six years now, costing the band dearly, and it's all over a parody. On the album cover for Hollywood Potato Chip, the Daily Variety logo was parodied, and they didn't take it too kindly. Despite being soundly protected under free speech and by Fair Use Doctrine, Daily Variety has opted to still slap the guys with a suit.

Joe, Dave, Warren and Josh tried settling the conflict in the past, but are now tired of getting bullied for money and want to shut this down once and for all. They've announced a benefit concert to raise money for legal fees to take on Daily Variety. This show will take place September 10 at the Glasshouse in Pomona. According to their website, AEG and Goldenvoice are "donating a lot of free services to help us raise the money we need. If it turns out we don't need all the money, we will pick one person out of the crowd and give it all to him or her, and you can get it from that person." You could be that person being hounded for money, and also see great show! I've been to see many of the Vandals' shows, and trust me, they are awesome. Tickets are $20 each, and goes a long way in helping these guys out.

The band is also asking fans to write to the staff of the magazine to try to persuade them to drop the whole thing.

And hey, maybe when this is all over, we can finally get a new Vandals album.