Music in the news – Dec. 3, 2013

GoldieBlox toy company in legal scuffle with Beastie Boys

American toy company GoldieBlox recently removed one of their viral ads from their latest campaign after legal disputes with the members of the Beastie Boys. The company, which designs toys specifically for young girls, used the music to the rap group’s song “Girls,” but changed the words to fit with their brand, allegedly without their consent. According to Rolling Stone, the group’s legal team inquired into the matter, and were met with a lawsuit from the GoldieBlox’s founder Debbie Sterling who stated in a blogpost that her company’s parody “falls under fair use.” Before his death in 2012, original band member Adam “MCA” Yauch stated in his will that he wished to never have any of their material used for advertising purposes. GoldieBlox has since drop the lawsuit.

 

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis team up with the UN for an LGBT-rights campaign

 

The “Thrift Shop” duo join the United Nations’ Free & Equal campaign in an effort to promote equality for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community through social media networks, according to Rolling Stone. The duo actively support universal rights through their music: with their chart topping hit “Same Love” dealing with gender equality. They stated in a recent press release “that human rights are for everyone — no exceptions.” Along with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, other celebrities who have lent their support for the cause — such as Ricky Martin, Daniela Mercury and Celina Jaitly — have been named “equality champions” by the UN for their efforts.

 

Country singer shot and killed in bar dispute

American country music singer Wayne Mills was shot and killed earlier last week at a bar in Nashville, TN, reports Sky News. Mills reportedly lit up a cigarette in the establishment’s no smoking section, which ultimately led to an argument with Chris Ferrell, the bar’s owner, over the smoking ban. Ferrell allegedly shot Mills in self-defense as the argument escalated. According to Sky News, no arrests have been made yet.

 

HMV removes all online and in-store Lostprophet records

Following the highly controversial trial of Lostprophets’ lead vocalist Ian Watkins, music retailer HMV has decided to remove all of the band’s albums from their shelves and online store, according to NME. Watkins pleaded guilty earlier this week to over a dozen sexual offences, including an attempted sexual assault on a toddler. Lostprophets previously announced the band would split earlier in October.

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