Fake Disco- And Soulbands Soon To Be History?

[Videoskooter]

Just read some interesting articles about possible forthcoming laws to prevent imposters performing as legendary acts like The Drifters, The Coasters or The Surpremes.

Nowadays many of those acts have nothing to do with the original line-up and simply are cashing in on the fame of others. A new law would prevent this and demand that at least 1 member is original.

I agree with this totally. When you go to a concert or a gig to see some guys you know and adore for years and then suddenly be confronted with people you've never seen, voices you've never heard is a total scam! Can U imagine: The Bee Gees performing and then suddenly see three teenagers on stage????

What I do like is the concept with Elvis or Mr. Frank Sinatra. You project the original star on a big screen and the music is played live by the (or some of the) original musicians. That works!

[Disco Funk]

I thought that most of those groups were composed of ex-members of the originals. Like say a version of the Supremes touring under Scherie Payne (I don't know if its happened, I'm just using it as a possible example). Or the Tempts with Ron Tyson. I think if those guys were former members of the group, they have a right to tour under the name. They certainly aren't making money off of the CD sales.

Disco Funk

[eddie]

There's a simple solution nowadays! Trademark the name and sign contracts!
What happens is members leave the group and if it was a sextet you could have 6 permutations of the old group using the same name. I believe for Dennis Edwards, he uses Dennis Edwards and the Temptations. However if the 5 originals trademarked that name, he would need consent of all 5 or it would go to court.