'The Romantics' Sue Activision: What I Don't Like About You

Apparently the 80s hair band the Romantics band has filed a federal lawsuit against Activision (ATVI), maker of the popular "Guitar Hero" games. The issue: A version of The Romantics' 1980s hit "What I Like About You" on the new "Guitar Here Encore: Rocks the 80s".

But the issue is not what you think it is:

The band's attorneys tell the Detroit Free Press for Thursday's edition that Activision properly secured permission to use "What I Like About You," allowing it to record a cover version.

But they say by creating an imitation so much like the Romantics' original, the California-based company infringed on the group's rights to its own likeness.

Or maybe it's plain better? After all, the original song is so nursery-rhyme simple that any four-piece band with a decent vocalist can't help producing a less whiny cover.

Comments

[erock:]

Yeah, you've probably written lots of songs that have become classics. Or nursery rhymes that have become classics. Why don't you list 'em off.

2007 Nov 22 02:13 PM

[erock:]

Yeah, you've probably written lots of songs that have become classics. Or nursery rhymes that have become classics. Why don't you list 'em off.

2007 Nov 22 02:13 PM

[Muzie:]

erock: what are you, eight years old? So nobody can judge any piece of art, music or media unless they're able to reproduce an equal or better piece, is that the way it works?

2007 Dec 03 02:58 AM

[Rack 'Em, D...:]

Hey, profit bus going by, let's hitch a ride. Meanwhile, Activision paid up front for the royalties to do a cover, hired a Frisco band and recorded their own.

These lumps come along and with a lawyer seek to insert their tongues in the trough.

Activision ought to do two things, remove and replace this song in future printings (does one print software bundles? Need a production word) and let it be known that this version is now a collectors item.

Which would improve the product and relegate this tune to the gone and not missed barrel from whence it came.

2007 Nov 23 11:42 AM