Friday, September 28, 2007

Former Ramones Drummer Sues Retailers Over Digital Royalties

The former drummer of the Ramones has filed suit against his music publisher, as well as online retailers iTunes, Wal-Mart and RealNetworks, over the alleged unauthorized distribution of six Ramones songs he wrote between 1983 and 1987, Billboard reported. Former Ramones drummer Richard Reinhardt (aka Richie Ramone) said that no music publishing agreement signed at the time authorized distribution on such digital services. He is seeking over $900,000 in damages and unpaid royalties, and a permanent injunction against the use of the songs in any manner whatsoever.The Ramones songs in question are "Smash You," "Somebody Put Something in My Drink," "Human Kind," "I'm Not Jesus, I Know Better Now" and "(You) Can't Say Anything Nice." Article

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/2d6stg (Billboard)
http://tinyurl.com/25fzmw (Pitchfork)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ramones

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks like publishers might have to start looking at their contracts more carefully.

Anonymous said...

Looks like publishers might have to start looking at their contracts more carefully.