Band happy with new deal

Spinal Tap have reportedly settled their multi-million-dollar royalty fight after a three-year legal fight.

The members of the spoof band had claimed ‘fraudulent accounting’ by media giant Vivendi had robbed them of income from merchandising, film and music  rights.

Harry Shearer, who played bassist Derek Smalls, claimed the group had been paid just $98 between 1989 and 2006 for royalties on soundtrack sales and $81 for merchandise between 1984 and 2006.

He started the legal action and was later joined by Christopher Guest, who played guitarist Nigel Tufnel; actor Michael McKean, who played singer David St Hubbins, and director and co-writer Carl Reiner.

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Vivendi-owned record label Universal Music Group said the rights to the music would ‘eventually… be given to the creators.’

Shearer said: ‘I must admit, from the moment we first began mediation with them to now, I’ve been impressed by UMG’s respect for creatives and their distinctive desire to seek a prompt and equitable solution to the issues.’

Guest added:  "It was refreshing to be treated so constructively and with such courtesy by UMG and I’m pleased we have been able to resolve this.’

A separate lawsuit with Vivendi’s subsidiary Studio Canal over royalties from the film is ongoing. Between the various cases the band had sought $400million.

Published: 5 Nov 2019