Smashing Pumpkins sue Virgin over Pepsi Stuff promotion

by Nikki Sandison, Brand Republic 25-Mar-08, 16:30

LONDON - Rock band Smashing Pumpkins are suing their former record label Virgin Records claiming their name was illegally used for promotional deals which have damaged the band's credibility with fans.

The breach of contract lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, centres on Virgin's use of the band in a Pepsi Stuff promotion with Amazon.com and PepsiCo.

Pepsi Stuff is a recent marketing drive that involves the soft drink maker giving away music and other items in return for customers collecting points.

Smashing Pumpkins claim that they have "worked hard for over two decades to accumulate a considerable amount of goodwill in the eyes of the public" and that the Pepsi Stuff promotion threatens their reputation for "artistic integrity".

The band claims that Virgin has permission to sell digital downloads of their songs but not to use their name in promotional campaigns to sell outside products.

The band members said that they would "never grant such authority to Virgin, or any other entity".

Smashing Pumpkins left Virgin Records in 2000 when they disbanded and have been with Reprise Records, a division of Warner Music, since they reformed in 2005.