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The Romantics sue Activision over good cover of not-so-good song photo

Here's a surprise -- The Romantics are still an active band. With their last album was released in 2003, it seems their most recent activity will be in court. 

The Detroit-based band have filed a federal lawsuit against Activision, and are claiming that the cover version of their 1980s hit "What I Like About You" that was featured in Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s is too good. So good, in fact, that it infringes on the band's rights to its own likeness.

While Activision did go through all of the proper channels to use the song in the game, The Romantics aren't satisfied. It seems the band are concerned that people may think the cover version is being performed by the actual band, which would cause a rift in the space-time continuum. The Romantics and their legal council have indicated that they would like the game pulled from the shelves, as not to confuse any of the Romantics' eight living fans.

If band does succeed in court, and Rocks the 80s does get yanked from the shelves, those who haven't purchased it yet won't be missing much. We gave it a 7 out of 10, and we're pretty sure it sold for $30 more than it was supposed to.








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18 comments | showing # 1 to 18
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Holyetheline's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 17:56
Holyetheline
Slow day at work.
ToxicPrince's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 17:57
ToxicPrince
"QUICK! WE'RE NOT MAKING ANY MONEY ON OUR 19TH GREATEST HITS! SUE SOMEBODY!"
Tino's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 18:23
Tino
/facepalm.
Bob Muir's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 18:42
Bob Muir
I can't see how they'd possibly win this in court if Activision properly licensed the music for a cover. Also of note is the fact that Harmonix and Red Octane are also being sued in this.
John B's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 18:44
John B
"Not so good song"??? You clearly were not a teenager in the 80s. :P
rbrooks's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 18:47
rbrooks
hahahahahahahhahaha losers
Nick Chester's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 19:27
Nick Chester
@ JohnB:

I wasn't, I wasn't. I was born in 78, so I remember the mid-80s when the song was still pretty "active" on mainstream radio. I HATE that song with a passion. PASSION.
Weighted Companion Cube's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 21:46
Weighted Companion Cube
Yay! It got picked up! :D

But yeah, next thing you know, Elvis will sue for the fifty-billion impersonators. I mean, legally, they have no standing to sue for this... everything was settled. *le sigh*
Vanilla Gorilla's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 21:55
Vanilla Gorilla
rooooooooooooooofles

I could just see the manager. "HEY GUYS! Even though nobody likes your music or even knows you still exist, I think I found a way to make us a quick buck! Moreso than playing shows..."
F Whipple's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 22:11
F Whipple
I love that song! Although on guitar hero it's the devil with all the triple-note chords.
Boolean's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 22:40
Boolean
I'd love to see the clause that says "We give full rights to Activision to use a cover band for "What I Like About You"...UNLESS IT'S REALLY REALLY GOOD...".
Sharpless's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/22/2007 22:43
Sharpless
I was born in the '80s and I love that song. :'(
Grocerspride's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/23/2007 02:56
Grocerspride
I like the song too.. when I was growing up they angels used it and changed the words to "I love angels baseball."

But anyway, suing because a song sounds too good?

Weak.
myaimistrue's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/23/2007 06:07
myaimistrue
I Can Haz Need Money for moar Cocaine?

Well.. atleast i tried. Forgot the cat though.
Aaron Mxy Yost's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/23/2007 08:19
Aaron Mxy Yost
Ummm... that's an interesting reason for a lawsuit.
JonDarkwood's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/23/2007 12:58
JonDarkwood
SORRY GUYS BUT THAT MOVIE YOU MADE ABOUT ME MADE ME LOOK TOO GOOD I'M AFRAID I'M GONNA HAVE TO MAKE YOU TAKE IT OUT OF THEATERS NOW
punisher138's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/23/2007 16:45
punisher138
fuck?
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