OT - Don Henley sues Senate candidate over song use

[Behshad]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/0 ... index.html

Don Henley, a founding member of "The Eagles," is suing a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, claiming the candidate is misusing two of his popular songs.

The suit filed Friday in federal court in California claims Charles DeVore is using Henley's hit songs "The Boys of Summer" and "All She Wants to Do Is Dance" without authorization.

The suit comes from two campaign videos that DeVore posted on YouTube that used Henley's music, according to the lawsuit.

In one of the videos, DeVore's campaign changed the words of "All She Wants to Do Is Dance" to lyrics that attacked Sen. Barbara Boxer, the lawsuit alleges.

Mike Campbell, Henley's producer, is also named as a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

"Don Henley and Mike Campbell brought this action to protect their song, 'The Boys of Summer,' which was taken and used without their permission," Henley's spokesman said. "The infringers have vowed to continue exploiting this and other copyrighted works, as it suits them, to further their own ambitions and agenda. It was necessary to file a lawsuit to stop them."

DeVore, a member of the California State Assembly, is running against Boxer, a Democrat, in the 2010 election, according to his Web site.

DeVore mentions Henley's legal actions on the Web site.

"We're responding with a counter-claim, asserting our First Amendment right to political free speech," the site said. "While the legal issues play out, it's time to up the ante on Mr. Henley's liberal goon tactics. By popular request, I have penned the words to our new parody song."

DeVore then posted the lyrics of a song he called "All She Wants to Do Is Tax."

[Ehwmatt]

Such a petty pissing match by a rich guy with nothing better to do. If I were a songwriter, I probably wouldn't want my songs being used to promote someone I didn't agree with politically either, but I mean come on. Doesn't that old codger have something better to do, like say, show me he actually wanted to be on fuckin stage after I shelled out $100 for a ticket to see The Eagles last March? Just release a public statement and don't clog our judicial system with more petty litigation. Christ.

I love his music but he's a fuckin cocksucker. They were all just there for the money. Don't see them on tour if you have the chance this year. Only one worth anything is Joe Walsh.

EDIT: On the flip side, who is advising these politicians and letting them continually make this mistake? If I were a Republican candidate, I would know damn well not to go near a Henley, Springsteen, or Mellencamp etc. song. Their politics are well-known. So jeers to these politicians who KEEP making this mistake.

[weatherman90]

Had it been a Democrat using the song, Henley would have kept his mouth shut.

[Ehwmatt]

Had it been a Democrat using the song, Henley would have kept his mouth shut.

Absolutely, but honestly, there's nothing wrong with him not wanting to be associated with the other side. I just don't think these kind of things need to be taken to court by millionaire rock stars. Our courts have enough shit going through them.

[walkslikealady]

Don't all politicians have to go through the same procedures as anyone else to use a song? Did this politician go through the proper channels before using the songs?

And, no, I don't know what the proper procedure is...just remember reading that Weird Al had a problem with a parody once.

[Don]

If it's backround music at a convention, it's fair usage, but if it's one song in a commercial, then unless it's non exclusive, you have to have permission, just like using music in a film. I can't believe this guy's media people people are so stupid. Some artist don't care if you're left or right, they just don't want their music used period. McCain wanted to use an Abba song but the group said no. They weren't loud about it or obnoxious, they just refused. Of course we're talking about a group that's sold over 370 million records while on the other hand we've got Henley just being a loudmouth who just wants to make a scene, knowing the press will run with it.

[Arkansas]

So how about a poll, Henley vs Scholz, who's worse?


later~

[Ehwmatt]

So how about a poll, Henley vs Scholz, who's worse?


later~

Henley, no doubt. Both are unbelievably smart and talented though. I've heard many more general bad things about DH than I have TS.

[Don]

I remember someone mentioning Brad Delp living in Squalid conditions when he died, thus meaning Tom doesn't pay them well.
However. I also remember John From Boston mentioning an ex-Boston member buying a house and living quite comfortably off of nothing but Royalties all these years.

It's fun to hate on Rich people like SP and Tom I guess.

[Ehwmatt]

I remember someone mentioning Brad Delp living in Squalid conditions when he died, thus meaning Tom doesn't pay them well.
However. I also remember John From Boston mentioning an ex-Boston member buying a house and living quite comfortably off of nothing but Royalties all these years.

It's fun to hate on Rich people like SP and Tom I guess.

If Brad (RIP man) was hurting that bad financially, then the problem extended far beyond Tom Scholz, trust me on that...

[Don]

I remember someone mentioning Brad Delp living in Squalid conditions when he died, thus meaning Tom doesn't pay them well.
However. I also remember John From Boston mentioning an ex-Boston member buying a house and living quite comfortably off of nothing but Royalties all these years.

It's fun to hate on Rich people like SP and Tom I guess.

If Brad (RIP man) was hurting that bad financially, then the problem extended far beyond Tom Scholz, trust me on that...

Exactly

[BobbyinTN]

I've got to side with Henley on this one. You have to pay royalties on songs when you use them for any kind of public performance.

Democrat or republican, you still have to pay.

[RossValoryRocks]

I've got to side with Henley on this one. You have to pay royalties on songs when you use them for any kind of public performance.

Democrat or republican, you still have to pay.

Yup...pay up if you want to play the dang song...it's pretty simple.

[annpea]

It, doesn't matter if you're rich or poor when someone takes something that belongs to you without permission, it's still stealing; Don Henley has the right to protect what's his.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

I've got to side with Henley on this one. You have to pay royalties on songs when you use them for any kind of public performance.

Democrat or republican, you still have to pay.

Yup...pay up if you want to play the dang song...it's pretty simple.

yep agree. And and this candidates managers must be morons. Everyone knows that Henleys even more of a democratic liberal than even Springsteen. Certainly they could be creative enough to find someone with either neutral or right leanding feelings.