James Delahunty
3 Mar 2005 20:36
Milwaukee-based Beatallica has become a new victim of Sony. Beatallica has been ordered by Sony to shut it's website down and pay up an unspecified amount of damages. Beatallica has attracted much attention online with its compositions such as "Leper Madonna" and "Got to Get You Trapped Under Ice". The band says it is not ripping off Beatles songs, just simply parodying them in a loving tribute that is protected by copyright laws.
Sony dont seem too convinced however. "Such uses of Sony/ATV compositions without the express authorization or license has caused and continues to cause substantial and irreparable injury, and is in direct violation of Sony/ATV's rights.", Sony told the band in a letter. The band's "Webmaster of Puppets", David Dixon said, "I think they're being very short-sighted. The amount of income that we generate from this is minuscule. None of us are quitting our day jobs."
An Online Petition has emerged where enraged fans can show their support for the band by simply signing their name in opposition to this action. At time of writing, it has collected 6900 signatures. If you believe that the action taken by Sony is unfair, then go and sign the petition to show your support.
Source:
The Register