Pribek

Question: What could possibly be more fun than a good old rock and roll lawsuit between band members?

Answer: A Norwegian black metal band lawsuit.

Blabbermouth is one of my sources for news concerning Norwegian black metal bands and, that’s where I found info about the outcome of the recent litigation between members of the band, GORGOROTH.

Evidently, King ov Hell (bass player) went behind the back of Infernus (guitar player) and secretly applied for trademark protection of the band name and logo.

Logo…

Infernus then filed suit against King ov Hell who, it seems was in cahoots with Gaahl (singer).

At the end of the day, the court decided in favor of Infernus, who released this statement.

“The court has decided that King ov Hell’s trademark registration of the band name GORGOROTH is NOT valid and shall therefore be deleted. The court states that King ov Hell and Gaahl excluded themselves from the band GORGOROTH when they tried to fire Infernus in October 2007. The court further states that Infernus cannot be excluded from GORGOROTH, unless he himself decides to quit.”

Props to Infernus for sparing us the legalese.

King ov Hell and Gaahl have released their own statement…

“Regarding the recent court case over the use of the name GORGOROTH, Gaahl and King confirm that parts of the verdict have been decided and went in favor of Infernus. This is only a partial verdict on the case. Because of the complexity of this case, there will be further court hearings and the final verdict will be announced within a few weeks.

“The judge came to the conclusion that it is impossible to kick out an original member even if he doesn’t contribute musically or lyrically. The judge also states that one can’t kick an original member out of a band even if that member performs actions which are viewed as disrespectful towards promoters, session members and other working partners.

“Gaahl and King wish Infernus the best of luck using the banner of GORGOROTH on his art.

“Gaahl and King will still present the art they are known for creating in GORGOROTH albeit under another banner. The new name will be announced shortly.”

Well, all in all it seems like King ov Hell and Gaahl are accepting the decision like the grown-ups that they are. Reading in to it, I sense that there may be just a tad of lingering bitterness. But, after all, that’s to be expected in such a complex case.

The important thing is that it looks like Infernus, King ov Hell and Gaahl have, at least, taken the right steps here and allowed the court to reach an agreement which was obviously outside the realm of what they would be able to settle on their own. And now, all parties can move forward.

So, as the sun sets on another day, and despite a bit of turmoil, once again all is well and once again Norwegian black metal band Land, is a happy place.

Who doesn’t love a good rock and roll lawsuit? I know I do. Let’s see who’s on the docket for today. From Billboard.

Lawyers for the Black Crowes have served copyright infringement notices to Gretchen Wilson, TNT, Sony BMG and publishing company J Money Music over the band’s 1991 hit “Jealous Again.”

The Crowes claim Wilson exploited the track for her own song, “Work Hard, Play Harder,” which TNT in turn then used in ads for its show “Saving Grace.”…

…”We find the musical verses of Wilson’s song to be such an obvious example of copyright infringement that I expect all parties to reach a relatively quick resolution to avoid litigation,” Crowes manager Pete Angelus says in a statement.

heh heh…I love lawyers. You know it’s going to be good when you hear a lawyer discussing nuances of song structure like “musical verses”. As opposed to…??? And, playing the “we” card; “we think that the musical verses of Wilson’s song to be such an obvious example of copyright infringement”. Like old Pete Angelus is having a barbecue with the Robinson brothers. You know, kicking back, cooking some pork steaks, having some beers, maybe playing some horseshoes and they have TNT on real loud in the house and the promo for the new hit show “Saving Grace” comes on. “Wait a minute there, Robinson brothers”, says Pete Angelus; “What do you think of that?”

“Gretchen Wilson, she’s hot, in a Ramada Inn lounge, cocktail waitress sort of way,” say Chris.

“No, not that, Chris,” says that other Robinson brother. “That sounds like our 1991 hit “Jealous Again”.

“I think so too.”

“Me too.”

Well let’s put it to the test, shall we?

As always….hit pause…on the music player to your left before playing the YouTube.

First, The Black Crowes, “Jealous Again”.

Now the TNT promo featuring Gretchen Wilson’s “Work Hard, Play Harder”.

Woah! Did that make your hair hurt? Did mine.

Yeah, I guess it’s pretty similar. During the musical verses at least. But, I got to say I’ve heard a lot worse lifts than that one. I don’t know. You can never tell how these things are going to pan out if they make it to a jury. Angelus did say, “I expect all parties to reach a relatively quick resolution to avoid litigation”. Sounds like the last thing he wants to do is get in front of a jury. Like maybe, he’s worried that if this thing goes on, the ghost of Steve Marriott will show up and sue Chris Robinson for ripping off his whole act or something.