To The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins: Lawsuit claims Virgin hurt ‘artistic integrity’

The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 03/26/2008 08:29:15 AM EDT

Wednesday, March 26
LOS ANGELES — The Smashing Pumpkins are suing Virgin Records, saying the label has illegally used the band’s name and music in promotional deals that hurt its credibility with fans. In a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, the rockers said they have “worked hard for over two decades to accumulate a considerable amount of goodwill in the eyes of the public” and that Virgin’s use of the band in a “Pepsi Stuff” promotion with Amazon.com and Pepsi Co. threatens their reputation for “artistic integrity.”

Virgin released the Smashing Pumpkins’ music for more than 17 years, but the only active agreement between the two parties, according to the lawsuit, is a deal granting Virgin permission to sell digital downloads of the band’s songs. Virgin may not use the band to sell outside products, the suit claims.

The band members said they would “never grant such authority to Virgin, or any other entity.”

The lawsuit demands that Virgin pay the profits earned in the promotion and asks for an injunction against using the band’s name or music.

I read it, twice in fact. Let’s get one thing straight, this is The Smashing Pumpkins, this is Zwan on steroids. About your “artistic” credibility, trust me Billy and the gang, I’ve questioned the moment I first heard Tarantula. I though, wow, Billy Corgan’s now making music for the masses. You’re a sell out and a fake, and being on a Pepsi Stuff promotion isn’t going to injure that.