David Byrne v. Charlie Crist

Posted by Deeky at Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Okay, what is it with right-wing pols using music by noted lefties in their campaign ads, without permission, and then getting sued over it? Here's some advice, stick to Ted Nugent.

This week's copyright-infringing asshole: Charlie Crist.

David Byrne filed a lawsuit Monday in federal court over Crist's unauthorized use of the Talking Heads "Road To Nowhere" in a campaign ad. "They didn't approach anybody, they didn't ask anybody, they just used it," says Byrne's lawyer.
Byrne said in a statement that he has never licensed a song for use in an advertisement.

"I'm a bit of a throwback that way, as I still believe songs occasionally mean something," Byrne said.

He added that if his audience thought he'd license a song to a political campaign, "they might not respect me as much in the morning."
Byrne is seeking $1 million in damages. The Crist campaign could not be reached for comment.

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