If most people tried to use a song from the Doobie Brothers without getting their permission, they’d be in big legal trouble. But most people aren’t Bill Murray. The band’s attorney recently sent a ‘cease and assist’ letter to the veteran funnyman, because he’s been using ‘Listen To The Music’ in one of his commercials to sell his golf apparel. Ultimate Classic Rock reports that the letter states:
“This is the part where I’m supposed to cite the United States Copyright Act, excoriate you for not complying with some subparagraph that I’m too lazy to look up and threaten you with eternal damnation for doing so. But you already earned that with those Garfield movies. And you already know you can’t use music in ads without paying for it.”
Best part of the letter ends, saying: “We’d almost be OK with it if the shirts weren’t so damn ugly. But it is what it is.”
Murray has yet to respond (can’t wait to hear what he says!). But think about it…Bill most likely had NOTHING to do with picking this song or any of the creative aspect of these ads. Some agency most likely handled this and I’d be surprised if Murray has even seen it. That said, the agency knows better than using ANY music without seeking permission first. Thankfully the Doobie Brothers are fans of Murray
The Doobie Brothers are claiming copyright infringement over the use of “Listen to the Music” in a commercial for golf clothing:
Posted by Ultimate Classic Rock on Thursday, September 24, 2020
