HOT: Old Feuds Die Hard
After initially saying he would play with Chicago at the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, singer Peter Cetera (a founding member who left the group 30 years ago) said that negotiations broke down and he wouldn’t be there. Perhaps Cetera insisted Chicago play his solo smash, “Glory of Love,” the theme from The Karate Kid, Part II? Meanwhile, at the Grammys, most of the members of Eagles paid tribute to the late Glenn Frey, but the appearance showed that grudges sometimes extend beyond the grave. Guitarist Don Felder said he was not invited to participate, likely due to the bad blood between him and Frey.
WARM: A “Birthday” Present
The ongoing lawsuit over who owns the rights to the song “Happy Birthday to You” appears to be over, and you are now free to sing the tune in public or make a hit Dance remix out of the song and not have to pay anyone. A judge ruled that Warner Music’s copyright claim (which reportedly netted the company about $2 million a year) is invalid and declared that the song is now in the public domain (tentatively). As part of the recently announced settlement, the publisher agreed to pay $14 million to those who’ve paid licensing fees for its use over the years.
COLD: KISS-y Face
Masterful marketing machine/mediocre Rock band KISS has gouged its fans over the years by selling KISS-branded everything — from inflatable chairs to perfume to condoms. One of the band’s latest products is for those KISS completists who have always wanted something resembling a death mask of bassist Gene Simmons. The beyond creepy (because of how realistic it is) limited-edition silicone-rubber mask “faithfully (recreates) Gene Simmons’ face, hair and flesh.” It will cost you $999.99, but, on the bright side, you’ll finally have something appropriate to wear when you’re buried in your KISS Koffin.
This article appears in Feb 10-17, 2016.