It looks as if the remaining members of the Beastie Boys are fighting for their right... but not to party. Nowadays they're fighting to protect their property.
A couple of years ago, after the unfortunate death of Beastie Boys member Adam "MCA" Yauch, the folks over at Monster Energy Drink created a promo video for the Ruckus in The Rockies snowboarding event that featured five Beastie Boys tracks, including, "So What'cha Want," "Sabotage," "Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun," and "Make Some Noise." The video ended with the phrase "RIP MCA" displayed onscreen.
A kind gesture, sure, but it turns out the act went against Yauch's will, which specifically states a no advertising clause, claiming no Beastie Boys music will be used in commercials. Therefore, the remaining bandmates sued Monster for a hefty $1 million.
The case made it to the courts yesterday with both Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz and Michael "Mike D" Diamond in attendance. Along with them were Yauch's widow Dechen Wangdu and Horovitz's wife Kathleen Hanna.
The trial kicked off with representatives from both sides delivering lengthy opening statements, which were apparently acknowledged by the judge, who told them each to wrap it up and keep it succinct. Throughout the course of the day, Monster admitted to unlawfully using the artists' music but requested the $1 million payout be decreased to $125,000.
It was reported by Billboard that the trial's first day was filled with hilarity, mainly a result of Monster's lawyers who apparently put Ad-Rock on the brink of laughter multiple times. For example, the lawyers told the jury, "You'll learn during the course of this case that 'dope' is a positive affirmation." They also asked Horovitz to confirm whether or not Diamond was wearing a sailor suit in this ad. "He sure is," he responded, smiling.
The trial continues today. Based on first-day occurrences it's safe to say that we're in for some fun updates along the way.
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