Pet Peeve Of Mine

[jpkansas]

So, I hear an ad on the radio that The Temptations are coming to town. Research shows that only one member of the original lineup is still alive (Otis Williams). So, in reality this is Otis Williams (if indeed he is part of this show) and some other guys coming to town, not The Temptations.

Stop advertising this show as something it isn't.

[Railyn]

They're coming here to PA, and we actually have a law here that you can't advertise a concert as "Herman's Hermits" for example (becaue I think that was what started it) unless "x" amount of the original group is present.

Not sure about how it works if everyone is dead, but they're billing themselves as "The Temptations".

[jpkansas]

I'm pretty sure Kansas hasn't passed the "Truth In Music" law.

Here's an article from a couple of years ago about it.

oldies.about.com/od/oldiesmusicnews/i/copycatgroups.htm

[Railyn]

Actually, JP, they have:

www.vocalgroup.org/truth_states.htm

I agree 100%. Years ago, when we saw The Monkees on their 20th Anniversary Tour, they were with The Grass Roots, Gary Puckett, and Herman's Hermits. Not sure about the Roots (I'd have to check my tour program), but for sure, Herman's Hermits was NOT Peter Noone. We were kind-of bummed. Mom didn't even think he really sounded like him.

In the end, we were there to see The Monkees, and the pseudo-band were just openers, but there are a lot of those oldies one-hit-wonder tours going around, and if you're going to spend your money, and support the artists, you'd like to know what you're getting into.

And KLK would be happy to see that her favorite person is chair of the group pushing for this legislation (see bottom of page on link provided). ;D

[jpkansas]

Yeah, I've seen good ol' Bowzer testifying in support of those bills on You Tube.

[dave910]

JP great topic!

I have seen two versions of the Temptations in the past 10years. In 2000, I had the pleasure of seeing these Motown legends perform and it was a spectacular show! Otis Williams was then and is currently the only surviving member of the original lineup. I read in an article that he owns the rights to the name of the group. Which makes sense considering he was with the group since its formation.

I read the Temptations are touring with the Four Tops this summer and will be hitting the Boston area. The Tops also have only one surviving member from the early days. I have seen both groups perform, but not as a double bill. I have to tell you I was not disappointed. I'm not sure of the legal ramifications, but I understand it from the artists perspective. You have one or two original members whom still are able to perform, entertain audiences and earn a living.

In a few weeks, my Mom and I are going to see a benefit concert that features Shirley Alston Reeves of the Shirelles and the Coasters. Granted, Shirley will be performing all the hits of the Shirelles, which makes perfect sense seeing she was the lead singer. The Coasters, however are a bit more complicated. I'm assuming all the original Coasters have since passed away, so I have no idea who owns the name.

This also lends itself to some more classic rock bands. Lynyrd Skynyrd are touring this summer and the two surviving members are no longer with the band. Think of the 90's bands Alice in Chains, whom reunited, recorded a CD and even toured with a new lead singer even after losing lead singer Layne Stayley to a heroin overdose. Billy Corgan is the only remaining Smashing Pumpkin. The other members were either fired or quit. Even Courtney Love decided to revive Hole and record a new CD after splitting up eight years ago.

Most people have knowledge of the members, because they bought the records in their youth. Sometimes - perhaps in Skynyrd's case - fans just want to hear Tuesday's Gone, Free Bird & Sweet Home Alabama live. As many of these bands get up there in age, members get sick and pass away, sometimes they are not that old. However, if there are no original members and fans aren't aware of what they are getting, then there's a case to be made.

[jpkansas]

I'm told that Otis Williams is indeed going to be performing here, so that's good.