Can't use artist's name to promote a tribute party?

[nopeda]

I work in a nightclub in the Atlanta GA area and would like to have a tribute party to the music of the dubstep artist Skrillex, but some people have told me we can't use an atrist's name in any way to promote an event. I was going to call it a tribute party and say specifically that Skrillex won't be there on the flyer, but was told we can't even do that much. Is that true? There are tribute bands who say they're tribute bands, so it seems like it can't be true... How to find out for sure?

Thank you for any help with this!

David Harrison

 

[Ohiogal]

I work in a nightclub in the Atlanta GA area and would like to have a tribute party to the music of the dubstep artist Skrillex, but some people have told me we can't use an atrist's name in any way to promote an event. I was going to call it a tribute party and say specifically that Skrillex won't be there on the flyer, but was told we can't even do that much. Is that true? There are tribute bands who say they're tribute bands, so it seems like it can't be true... How to find out for sure?

Thank you for any help with this!

David Harrison

How is it going to be a "tribute" party to him? Are you going to pay him for the honor? Or are you just going to pocket everything?

 

[nopeda]

How is it going to be a "tribute" party to him? Are you going to pay him for the honor? Or are you just going to pocket everything?

It's a tribute like tribute bands are tributes to the original artists. If I'm lucky I might break even as long as I don't spend much to begin with. Of course I may never find out if I'm even able to try doing it or not. So far I still don't know.

 

[justalayman]

do you have legal use of the music of Skrillex (paid proper licensing to use his music in your venue)?

If so, you can have a night featuring the music of Skrillex and advertise it as such. You do have to be careful in the wording. It really isn't a tribute though. It is simply a night featuring his music.



There is a difference between a tribute band and what you are doing. A tribute band says something such as; we are The Dung Beatles, a Beatles tribute band. We sound like the Beatles but a bit crappier.

You are simply advertising that you are having a night where you are playing the music of Skrillex. A tribute band attempts to emulate the band they are copying.

 

[nopeda]

do you have legal use of the music of Skrillex (paid proper licensing to use his music in your venue)?
. . .
You are simply advertising that you are having a night where you are playing the music of Skrillex. A tribute band attempts to emulate the band they are copying.

It must be okay to play his music, since they do play it sometimes. We must be members of ASCAP or whatever, so that should be a problem.

Maybe call it a Skrillex appreciation party, and say that he won't be there? How about a Skrillex music party? Can we find where the regulations are written in a code someplace? I've used a GA code of some sort before, with some success.

 

[nopeda]

where would be a better place to try to find out about this?

Where would be a better place to go ask about this? If I can't do it I want to quit thinking about it, and if I can I want to get on with it. So where can I go to find out, and find out what I have to do if possible?

It must be okay to play his music, since they do play it sometimes. We must be members of ASCAP or whatever, so that should be a problem.

Maybe call it a Skrillex appreciation party, and say that he won't be there? How about a Skrillex music party? Can we find where the regulations are written in a code someplace? I've used a GA code of some sort before, with some success.

 

[justalayman]

this is not something you are going to find in code. It will be in case law. Actually, neither code nor case law would prevent you from being sued if Skrillex chooses to sue you. You would still have to defend the suit.

Where to go to find a more definite answer?

hire a lawyer that practices in this area of law.


Personally I do not believe there is a problem with your intended action but that and $5 will get you a small coffee at Starbuck's.

 

[Siflan]

I work in a nightclub in the Atlanta GA area and would like to have a tribute party to the music of the dubstep artist Skrillex, but some people have told me we can't use an atrist's name in any way to promote an event. I was going to call it a tribute party and say specifically that Skrillex won't be there on the flyer, but was told we can't even do that much. Is that true? There are tribute bands who say they're tribute bands, so it seems like it can't be true... How to find out for sure?

Thank you for any help with this!

David Harrison

No tribute .....
No pay .... With out permission. Think bigger.

 

[nopeda]

No tribute .....
No pay .... With out permission. Think bigger.

Like what?

 

[nopeda]

this is not something you are going to find in code. It will be in case law. Actually, neither code nor case law would prevent you from being sued if Skrillex chooses to sue you. You would still have to defend the suit.

Where to go to find a more definite answer?

hire a lawyer that practices in this area of law.

I doubt I'd even make $500 max from it, so it sure wouldn't be worth hiring a lawyer. Could they only sue me for any money I make from the event, or for a whole lot more?