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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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HOUSE PASSES BILL TO TRUMP IMPOSTER BANDS
ST. PAUL – Recently, fans of the Platters, Drifters and Coasters (including several local residents) were asked to pay up to $50 a ticket to see these groups at Grand Casino Hinckley, only to find that the groups performing had literally nothing to do with the real Platters, Drifters and Coasters.
The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill (HF 1314) last Thursday that would put an end to imposter bands in Minnesota. Compelled by recent events and the testimony of John "Bowzer" Bauman from rock n' roll's famous bee-bopping group ShaNaNa, lawmakers voted unanimously to prevent fake bands from misleading the public. The bill calls for imposter bands to disclose that they are impersonating original artists.
"When Minnesotans go to a concert, they want to see the band they paid for," said State Representative Joe Atkins who chairs the House Commerce Committee and authored the bill. "But rock n' roll wannabes are ripping off concert-goers all the time. Posing as rock n' roll legends, they stage 'reunion' tours, sign their autographs on covers for albums they never made and bask in applause not actually meant for them. This bill will put an end to rip-off imposter bands in Minnesota."
Over the past several years, John "Bowzer" Bauman has been advocating "Truth in Music" laws across the country. In testimony before the House and Senate Commerce Committees, Bowzer told compelling stories about imposter groups who claim to be the Drifters, the Platters or other founding groups of rock n' roll. Because of Bowzer's efforts, 25 states throughout the country are expected to enact new "Truth in Music" laws.
Atkins' "Truth in Music" initiative would prohibit performances (and advertising) that use a false affiliation between the group performing and the group who actually made the name famous ("the recording group"). The performing group can use the name of the recording group only if:
§ The performing group owns the registered trademark for the recording group's name;
§ At least one member was in the recording group, and he/she has a legal right to use that name by virtue of having used it for a long period of time;
§ The performance is advertised as a salute or tribute;
§ The performance takes place outside Minnesota; or
§ The recording group expressly authorized the performance.
"Even if they can sing, these bands are ripping people off," said Atkins. "By passing this bill we can make sure consumers get what they pay for, and protect performers from being impersonated by scheming rock n' roll wannabes."
Violating this law would result in a misdemeanor under MS 645.21. The bill is now awaiting the approval of Governor Tim Pawlenty. More information about HF 1314 can be found online at www.house.mn.
News Items
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- Rep. Atkins – Statement on Deal to End NHL Lockout - (Posted: Jan 7 2013 2:05PM)
- Rep. Atkins to Hold Minnesota House Hearing on Economic Impact of Hockey Lockout - (Posted: Jan 2 2013 3:20PM)
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