The Smashing Pumpkins are suing their former label Virgin Records for using their image for an ad that they did not approve.
- Mar 26, 2008
AceShowbiz - Unhappy with the image portrayed on the "Pepsi Stuff Promotion" and Amazon.com, The Smashing Pumpkins are blaming their former label, Virgin Records. The rock band are suing Virgin for the use of their name, music and image in the ad to market the soft drink and in the Internet-based business.
The Pumpkins claimed that the ads for worldwide promotional campaign is a form of breach of contract because Virgin did not ask for the band's permission. The rock act that is now comprising only Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin filed a lawsuit on Monday, March 24 in Los Angeles Superior Court, stating that "Virgin has deceived and confused the public into believing that (the Pumpkins were) affiliated with the promotion."
A spokeswoman from Virgin made no comment on the lawsuit, citing policy against pending litigation, but Corgan preferred to open up about the situation. In a written statement, the vocalist said, "Its a frustrating situation honestly to be treated so poorly by a label where we had so much success. Recently they have ignored our pleas to give our fans special editions of our old albums, telling us they weren't interested so there is a tremendous amount of hypocrisy involved with them turning around and using us like this." No amount of damages has been unearthed.
The Pumpkins released four albums with Virgins but left it in 2000 when they disbanded. They went on signing to Reprise Records, a division of Warners when Corgan and Chamberlin decide to reform in 2005.
