Talking Heads Frontman 'Feeling Very Manly' After Winning Song-Use Suit Settlement from Ex-Fla. Gov
A lawsuit brought by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne against former Fla. Governor Charlie Crist over use of his “Road to Nowhere” song in campaign material has been settled.
Although all of the terms weren’t disclosed, they include a public apology by Crist that is posted on YouTube, reports the Associated Press.
Crist and his advertising agency each blamed the other for not seeking permission. The former governor said he was happy with the settlement terms and praised Byrne for being gracious during a recent mediation.
In a written statement yesterday, Byrne said he had been surprised to learn that such unauthorized use of a song isn’t all that unusual, and said that he was “feeling very manly” about having protested rather than simply let the issue goe.
“Other artists may actually have the anger but not want to take the time and risk the legal bills. I am lucky that I can do that,” he stated. “Anyway, my hope is that by standing up to this practice maybe it can be made to be a less common option, or better yet an option that is never taken in the future.”
The suit was in federal court in Tampa, as an an Arts Beat blog post in the New York Times noted when it was filed.
Additional and related coverage:
ABA Journal: “Musicians Chafe at Politicians’ Misappropriations of Their Work”
ABAJournal.com: “Talking Heads Singer Sues Fla. Gov, Seeks $1M for Song Use in Attack Ad”
ABAJournal.com: “All Eagles Star Wants to Do Is Sue Over Senate Candidate’s Alleged Song Misuse”
ABAJournal.com: “Republican Candidate Infringed Henley’s Songs in YouTube Ads, Judge Says”
