Off The Campaign Trail - Former US President Donald Trump has been found liable to pay damages to singer and songwriter Eddy Grant for using his song Electric Avenue without permission. It has taken Grant more than four years to sue the Republican candidate in this year’s presidential election in the US courts, over his 2020 campaign video that used a 40-second clip of the song.
The video was viewed 13.7m times before Twitter, now known as X, took it down. A federal judge in Manhattan ruled Mr Trump breached Mr Grant's copyright for his 1983 hit and is now liable for damages as well as paying for the singer's legal fees.
Grant's battle with the former President began in August 2020, when he was seeking re-election to the White House. On Friday, Judge John G. Koeltl rejected arguments from Mr Trump’s lawyers that the Twitter video was shielded under copyright’s fair use doctrine, which allows for the use of protected works in certain situations.
Brian D. Caplan, Grant’s attorney, said: “As a staunch believer of artist’s rights and the ability to control their creative output, Mr. Grant believes that the decision will help others in their fight against the unauthorised use of sound recordings and musical compositions. Politicians are not above the law and the court reaffirmed that.”
Live Aid - Just for One Day, the Live Aid musical, will transfer to the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2025, following its run at the Old Vic earlier this year. It will begin performances on 15 May before a gala performance on 13 July, celebrating 40 years since the concerts were staged in London and Philadelphia. It is booking until January 2026.
Craige Els returns in the role of Bob Geldof with further casting to be announced. Geldof, who was behind the Live Aid musicals, said: “I have never been to a show where night after night there is a standing ovation at the intermission. Amazing.”
Producer Jamie Wilson added: “Just for One Day was the fastest selling musical in the Old Vic’s history. The story of how the world united together through music has captivated audiences of all ages. We are thrilled to be able to bring this production to the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End, opening on the 40th anniversary of the Live Aid concerts with the same timeless songs, renowned creative team and talented company. 10% of all ticket income will go towards the ongoing efforts of the Band Aid Charitable Trust.”
The musical is written by John O’Farrell and directed by Luke Sheppard. Musical supervision, arrangements and orchestration are by Matthew Brind, with choreography by Ebony Molina, set by Soutra Gilmour, costume by Fay Fullerton, lighting by Howard Hudson, sound by Gareth Owen, video and animation by Andrzej Goulding and casting by Stuart Burt.
In The Saleroom - A guitar once owned by Oasis's Noel Gallagher that featured in the video for the band's debut single Supersonic has sold at auction for more than £130,000. The Epiphone Les Paul standard electric guitar was played by Gallagher in the lead-up to the final recording of Oasis’s debut album Definitely Maybe. The guitar was listed by Sotheby's with a sales estimate of £60,000 to £80,000, but the final sale price soared to £132,000.
Farewell - Tito Jackson, an original member of the Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has died aged 70, US media reports. Tito performed in the famous ensemble with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, who died in 2009. He was recently in Munich ahead of a performance that the group were due to give. The news was confirmed in an Instagram post by Jackson's three sons, Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, who were themselves an R'n'B/pop trio, 3T, in the 1990s. "We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken," they wrote. "Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being." RIP.
(Jim Evans)
