The Beastie Boys have initiated legal action against Brinker International, the owner of the Chili’s restaurant chain, in a New York federal court. The iconic rap group alleges that Brinker used their 1994 hit song “Sabotage” in social media advertisements without obtaining proper authorization. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, claims that the unauthorized use of “Sabotage” in Chili’s ads falsely suggests that the Beastie Boys endorse the restaurant chain.
The Beastie Boys, who formed in New York City in 1981 and disbanded in 2012 following the death of founding member Adam “MCA” Yauch, are known for their influential contributions to hip hop and rap rock. “Sabotage,” a single from their 1994 album “Ill Communication,” is particularly famous for its music video, which parodies 1970s television police dramas.
According to the lawsuit, Brinker posted Chili’s advertisements on social media platforms featuring “Sabotage” without securing a license. One of the ads reportedly included “three characters wearing obvious 70s-style wigs, fake mustaches, and sunglasses,” which the Beastie Boys argue was intended to evoke scenes from their well-known “Sabotage” video.
The Beastie Boys have a strict policy against licensing their music or other intellectual property for third-party product advertising. Adam Yauch, who passed away in 2012, even included a provision in his will prohibiting such uses. The group is seeking at least $150,000 in monetary damages and a court order to prevent Brinker from using their work in the future.
This is not the first time the Beastie Boys have taken legal action to protect their music. In 2014, they won a $1.7 million jury verdict against Monster Beverage Corp for using their music without permission.
The Beastie Boys’ legacy in the music industry is significant. They have sold 20 million records in the United States and had seven platinum-selling albums from 1986 to 2004. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, the same year they disbanded following Yauch’s death. The remaining members, Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz and Michael “Mike D” Diamond, have since released several retrospective works, including a book, a documentary, and a career-spanning compilation album.
The group’s origins trace back to 1979 when Michael Diamond was part of several bands, including the Young Aborigines. The Beastie Boys officially formed in July 1981 when Diamond, John Berry, and Kate Schellenbach teamed up with Adam Yauch. The band initially played hardcore punk before transitioning to hip hop with the release of their 1983 single “Cooky Puss.”
Their debut album, “Licensed to Ill,” released in 1986, was the first rap album to top the Billboard 200 chart. Despite a commercial failure with their second album, “Paul’s Boutique,” it later received critical acclaim. Subsequent albums like “Check Your Head” and “Ill Communication” found mainstream success, solidifying their place in music history.
The Beastie Boys have always been protective of their music and image. Their lawsuit against Brinker International underscores their commitment to maintaining control over their intellectual property. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for how artists’ work is used in advertising and other commercial contexts.
As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the court addresses the issues of copyright infringement and trademark rights raised by the Beastie Boys. The group’s previous legal victories suggest they are well-prepared to defend their rights and ensure their music is used in ways that align with their values and legacy.
Source: Reuters, Rolling Stone, Billboard
