US: A-B facing lawsuit over song usage

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 12 June 2006

Anheuser-Busch is under fire from LA-based music group The Standells, who have filed a federal lawsuit against the brewery for reportedly using the song "Dirty Water" in commercials without permission.

According to US press reports, The Standells have filed a lawsuit alleging that, although their record company received a "substantial" royalty payment for use of the song, A-B did not seek the permission required under copyright laws in the country.

The song in question is periodically played by the Boston Red Sox after home baseball matches as part of an ongoing allegiance, but the rock band claim that A-B used the 1966 hit to advertise flagship brand Budweiser illegally, and are seeking US$1m in compensation.

A-B has responded to the lawsut by stating that the advert was never aired on television, and reiterating that a loyalty payment was paid at the time.

The company said: "The Bud Light advertisements referred to in the Standells' lawsuit were produced but never aired on television because the footage used in the ads did not effectively communicate the brand's fun and social image. The Standells were paid for the use of their music. Based on their complaint, we believe we don't owe them any additional money and the lawsuit is without merit."

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: A-B