SANDMAN, the Canadian METALLICA tribute band featuring vocalist/guitarist Joe Di Taranto of Toronto’s WARMACHINE, has reportedly received a cease-and-desist letter from lawyers representing the metal giants themselves.
Di Taranto wrote on his Facebook page: “So as some of you may or may not know, in my spare time from WARMACHINE, I play in a couple tribute acts, one being a METALLICA tribute called SANDMAN.
With less than 800 followers on Facebook at the time of this writing, SANDMAN apparently caught the attention of METALLICA‘s lawyers by using the latter band’s “official, stylized logos … on or to identify or promote live musical performances through Facebook and YouTube,” according to the 41-page cease-and-desist letter sent out by the attorneys.
A number of fans and musicians from fellow tribute bands have offered support on SANDMAN‘s Facebook page, including RED HOT CHILI PECKERS, the Canadian tribute to the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS. “Just wanted to say from one tribute musician to another we’re in your corner on this… and think you should stick to your guns,” the Halifax-based RED HOT CHILI PECKERS wrote. “Lame that they would ask you to stop using your logo just because it looks similar to theirs. It’s not like you are selling bootleg mech [sic].”
This is not the first time METALLICA has clashed with other parties over infringement issues. In January 1999, the band sued Victoria’s Secret after it sold a lipstick line dubbed “Metallica.” The lingerie company ended up settling with the band.
In 2000, METALLICA launched a trademark infringement suit over a perfume called “Metallica,” which retailer Neiman Marcus was selling in its stores.
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