Rock group The Smashing Pumpkins are suing Virgin records, claiming the record label has illegally used their name and music in promotional deals that tarnish the band’s credibility with their fans.
In the lawsuit, filed Monday, the band — whose hits include “1979″ and “Tonight, Tonight” — said they have “worked hard for over two decades to accumulate a considerable amount of goodwill in the eyes of the public,” and that Virgin’s use of the band in a “Pepsi Stuff” promotion with Amazon.com and Pepsi Co. threatens their reputation for “artistic integrity.”
Virgin records released the Smashing Pumpkins’ music for more than 17 years, but the only active agreement between the two parties, the lawsuit claims, is a deal granting Virgin permission to sell digital downloads of the band’s songs, according to the Associated Press.
The agreement does not give Virgin the right to use the band in promotional campaigns to sell outside products, the lawsuit said.
The band members said they would “never grant such authority to Virgin, or any other entity.”
Virgin did not return calls for comment.
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