Suing Mad

Filed under: Music Minute > Legal Matters

The Smashing Pumpkins are suing Virgin Records for selling them out to the corporate whores without their permission.

A lawsuit filed on behalf of the band states, "(they) worked hard for over two decades to accumulate a considerable amount of goodwill in the eyes of the public," and that Virgin's use of the band in a 'Pepsi Stuff' promotion with Amazon.com and Pepsi Co. threatens their reputation for "artistic integrity."

The lawsuit demands that Virgin pay with the profits earned in the promotion and asks for an injunction against using the Pumpkins' name or music in the future.

Does anyone even care about the Smashing Pumpkins anymore???

[Image via WENN.]

Posted: Mar 25, 2008 at 11:51 am / Email this »

See All 387 Comments

387 comments to “Suing Mad”

More comments: [1] 2 3 4 »

shaweezy says – reply to this

1

rock on smashing pumpkins
anaxagoras says – reply to this

2

first, silly sallys!
I'd do do do that!
Fan says – reply to this

3

Are you kidding me? The Smashing Pumpkins are awesome!!
Cecily says – reply to this

4

I care! ;-P
Loady Smurf says – reply to this

5

Don't do business with Billy Corgan….I don't blame Virgin, who wants to work with that douche bag, just go behind his back. Have they even done anything remotely relevant in the past 10 years??
Amirra says – reply to this

6

They rock!
cat says – reply to this

7

I still love them, and respect them as a band, but this lawsuits kinnnnda crazy.
K says – reply to this

8

Does anyone care about the Smashing Pumpkins anymore?
molls says – reply to this

9

people absolutely care about the pumpkins these days
babble says – reply to this

10

haha, they just need more $$.
P2P For the win. says – reply to this

11

Good for them. Fuck the big corporations and the RIAA. Sue them, like they sue everyone else.
Johanna says – reply to this

12

Good for them!
ericarae says – reply to this

13

If they keep putting out that crap they're trying to pass off as music no one will care… they sold themselves out with this last album it has nothing to do with virgin or pepsi it's Billy's fault.
e says – reply to this

14

They're just using a lawsuit to legitimize taking profits from an endorsement. They're doing this by taking royalties without *really* taking royalties. Douces
mcdave71 says – reply to this

15

Well Smashing Pumpkins have more integrity than you…
Sam says – reply to this

16

I DO!@
christie says – reply to this

17

wtf is up with his pants?
dfghj says – reply to this

18

wow
JB says – reply to this

19

Oh please. . .Billy Corgan should be thankful someone wants to use their shitty music in their ad. The Pumpkins are so irrelevant–no one even remebers them, especially not the new record buying public. He's a douche.
ruthlessculprit says – reply to this

20

yes idiot. they have always been very indie but you wouldn't know bc you're too busy supporting all the gay fad of music.
uytj says – reply to this

21

no, but that doesn't mean they forfeit their rights.
Kristin says – reply to this

22

no.
elisa says – reply to this

23

I super-care!!!!!!!!!
Alex says – reply to this

24

i love the pumpkins biiitch
me says – reply to this

25

Did anyone ever care about you at all?
Good Going says – reply to this

26

I CARE ABOUT THEM YOU DOLT! This band was/is brilliant and so much more talented than the crap you promote these days!
Julie says – reply to this

27

I Do care!
Mrs. Doris Reedy says – reply to this

28

Mrs. Doris Reedy still cares, thank you very much. Hmph!
Perez Marriott says – reply to this

29

Billy Corgan is Borg. Secondary adjunct of Unimatrix Three. You will be assimilated.
Jen says – reply to this

30

I LOOOOOOOOVE Smashing Pumpkins! The music is classic since I grew up listening to it and Billy Corgan's voice just brings out emotion in myself. So YES, Perez, I care and I don't think I am the only one.
Backstreet Boy says – reply to this

31

Is not about if people still care. They created an image that they want to keep. The fact that their record lable did this without their permissiion is just wrong. They have every right to sue, and I think they would win. For those who are saying they are saying their washed up think about this….if they were the record lable , Pepsi, and Amazon.com wouldn't have wanted to include their stuff in this deal.
Krista says – reply to this

32

Of course ppl care, The pumpkins are still one of the best bands in the world. Billy can be a crybaby sometimes but I'd be upset to if my music was being whored out without my permission.
Tennille says – reply to this

33

I love the smashing pumpkins, they worked hard for their fame and fortune.
MELISSA says – reply to this

34

INTEGRITY is a word you're not familiar with, so you couldn't possibly understand how absolutely RELEVANT his case IS. Furthermore, you grew up with the Smashing Pumpkins (you ARE 30, right Perez?), so don't trash on them just because their heyday has passed. It'll happen to you too. Soon, I hope.
ck says – reply to this

35

Smashing Pumpkins should have split after their first two brilliant albums. Corgan is a mess, and if he honestly thinks he has any artistic integrity left, he's been spending way too much time around equally deluded pal Courtney Love.
{krazihottkelli/b/grl""""Hillary will zave uz'''''''''' says – reply to this

36

[[[[[[[[[[ luv thoze fuckerz ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

zzzzzz my girl saw them in N.J. lazt year zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
hillary…
talchick says – reply to this

37

They are the best band ever! Of course, I care!
kb says – reply to this

38

yes
ashley says – reply to this

39

of course people still care about the smashing pumpkins. they are professional and have always been inginuitive. they are still a far cry from the unoriginal, cookie-cutter bubblegum pop music so many people LOVE to listen to.
candy says – reply to this

40

It doesn't matter how popular they are– what's important is that they have something important to say and fight for
hahahha if it were the Jonas brothers you'd be singing a different tune
truth says – reply to this

41

No I don't care, and why did he get work done To look Like Micheal Stipe?He laughing all the way to the bank Drinking Pepsi or not, wasn't his band the one that made some summertime hit and rolled around in an innertube? So did 'nt artistic integrity go out the window then?
smiff says – reply to this

42

you had credibility in 1994..where is the rest of the band???
pk says – reply to this

43

yea people w/ musical taste do. Douche Bag flavor of teh day fans like you have moved on to other shit music. Stop commenting and just post gossip you fat SODOMITE!!!
gina says – reply to this

44

I care about the Smashing Pumpkins. They were the IT band when I was growing up…more power to them.
Bill says – reply to this

45

Those aren't pants.
flowerPTY says – reply to this

46

I CARE!!!

Y si a ti no te importa porque los pones en tu pagina??????
Perez I love you pero escuche que ahora eres promotor musical asi que deberias saber que toda la mierda que tiras para arriba te pude caer en la cara mas tarde.
KATE says – reply to this

47

hey hey hey! I STILL CARE ABOUT THE SMASHING PUMPKINS!!!!!!
mandi says – reply to this

48

this is so hilarious. perez thinks he's so cool by knowing up and comers, but he knows nothing of the music that probably shaped all these new losers. he did that post about how cool it was that radiohead was releasing their album online, and then posts later was like "has radiohead even done anything in 10 years?" he's such a dumb fuck sometimes. billy corgan will always be cooler and more relevant than perez fucking hilton.
Melanie says – reply to this

49

FUCK YA WE CARE…..The are one of the best bands of all time you retard!!!
Summer says – reply to this

50

Perez you asshole!!! Smashing Pumpkins rock!!! People care more about this kinda shit then hearing about Heidi and fucking Spencer!!!
jp says – reply to this

51

yea actually i do still care about the pumpkins…. if i highly respect a band at one point i don't normally change my mind for no reason…. the were a big part of the music i listened to in my early teens. so yea i do care. perez i adore ya and i think u can b funny but a lot of the time ur just down right narrow minded. kisses
janet jackson and madonna says – reply to this

52

Grow Billy, you're no Britney Spears.
Miche says – reply to this

53

I care!
JenIsRight says – reply to this

54

Absolutely! Billy Corgen rocks - Virgin had no right.
SJ says – reply to this

55

Hell Ya I fuckin care……
liz says – reply to this

56

don't be so cruel, i love them i really do…
i'm a big fan in fact they will perform on April in Monterrey Mexico, so i already got my ticket
suki says – reply to this

57

Anyone with integrity for their art YES!!!!
DP says – reply to this

58

Just shut up already Perez, you don't know shit! First those comments about Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails, now this. Stick to those shitty indie bands and pop acts you masturbate to and leave the real music alone.
Jennsjeepie says – reply to this

59

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE THEM!!!
Brandon says – reply to this

60

I still care! I love them
kris says – reply to this

61

I don't!
hate pumpkins says – reply to this

62

It's not about wheather anyone cares about the pumpkins, I've always hated them. It's about integrity and MONEY.
Benjamin Middleton says – reply to this

63

artistic integrity…. right. the same integrity that made the band reunite with only 2 origional members and to release about 8 different version of their come back album with (WHOOP DEE DOO different colors! and 1 additional song per version, with certain versions only availible at best by or through itunes)
not to mention the big best buy logo on there top banner of there myspace page.
billy corigan is in it for the money plain and simple.

fuck the new pumpkins.
youcrazy says – reply to this

64

Does anyone care?!! Hell yeah. Have you heard the new album. way better than anything else out there right now. Fucking Amazing
Liz says – reply to this

65

I care because they rock and I don't want to see them sell-out because of those stupid people.
Smashing Pumpkins ROCK and Billy Corgan is awesome and better than your daddy.
rbk says – reply to this

66

Yes, people care about the Smashing Pumpkins. They're much better than most of the disposable b.s. that you post as "music."
hns says – reply to this

67

Perez…i love you..but DO NOT MESS WITH S.P!!!
biiitch says – reply to this

68

i care! you fat asshole
aj says – reply to this

69

I have loved the Pumpkins for years now. Go to hell@!!!!!!!!!
HELLOOO? says – reply to this

70

Perez - You are going to be working in the Music Industry and you are asking if anyone still cares about th Smashing Pumpkins? They are one of the greatest rock bands of our times! And they are still producing amazing music. So the answer is Hell Yeah I care!
flierpa says – reply to this

71

smashing pumpkins are (still) fantastic!
Amanda says – reply to this

72

Apparently you care about them to some degree. You're posting about them. Stop knocking people with actual talent.
Jen says – reply to this

73

NO ONE CARES!!!! You are so right Perez, call them on their bull shit!
DUH! says – reply to this

74

UM, yes, lots of people care. One of the greatest guitarists ever.
noko says – reply to this

75

STFU, Perez. I am from Chicago and I will always love The Smashing Pumpkins. Billy Corgan is a real artist not a bullshit corporate whore and he did the right thing by suing. Not everybody wants to be known as being a sell-out like you. SOME PEOPLE ACTUALLY HAVE ARTISTIC INTEGRITY!!!
YES SMASHING PUMPKINS ROCK says – reply to this

76

Wow, you must not get out much Perez!!
Smashing Pumpkins are awesome and it's good that they are suing!
Kimberly says – reply to this

77

HELLOOO! I sure as hell care!!! Smashing Pumpkins rocks!! I love them! JONAS BROTHERS ARE GHEY ENOUGH ABOUT LAME BANDS MORE ROCK NEWS PLEASE!!!
noko says – reply to this

78

Re: Jen –
yOU MUST BE LIKE 15 YEARS OLD. Stupid Fag Hag.
b says – reply to this

79

I care, aw smashing pumpkins, music of my youth…. nah but that's not right, making profits off their work without their permission.
trent reznor's alternate personality says – reply to this

80

it doesn't matter if you think they are relevant or not perez…they have the right to not have their music belittled by being sold out to some fucking pepsi commercial. i am SICK of hearing every song from my childhood used to sell shit like cars and whatever else. most times, the bands themselves are NOT the ones selling the music, it's the dirtbag record companies or whoever else actually owns the rights. it's the result of shitty contracts signed by naive artists, drafted by slimebag record companies with confusing language in order to bamboozle. this is why independent distributing is becoming the new way to sell lps. don't let some fat bastard in a suit own the right to decide what to use YOUR music for. SERIOUSLY, it's insulting to hear the beatles "revolution" being used to try to sell me a WAY overpriced vehicle so i can be in debt to some bank for years. the idea of the lyrics are about railing against that sort of thing. wtf. and target with the "hello goodbye", seriously, good BUY? ugh. fuck you corporate america, you would sell your mother's soul as long as it turned a profit.
me says – reply to this

81

Are you kidding? Of course people care about the Smashing Pumpkins! Zeitgeist kicked ass and they're one of the greatest bands ever! They;re SO much better than the shitty music you post on this site all the time!
Vega Byrne says – reply to this

82

I think Billy Corgan ruined himself with Zwan. I doubt Pepsi can do worse damage than that garbage.
SMASHING PUMPKINS says – reply to this

83

shut the fuck up.. THE SMASHING PUMPKINS ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

if you're not a TREND WHORE that is….
real music is going no matter what the current FAD is..

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS will always be AMAZING!
amy says – reply to this

84

They used to be my FAVORITE band of all time until their "reunion"

and that Virgin's use of the band in a 'Pepsi Stuff' promotion with Amazon.com and Pepsi Co. threatens their reputation for "artistic integrity."

ARTISTIC INTEGRETY????? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME??
What THREATENED their ARTISTIC INTEGRITY was the fact that they decided to use PARIS HILTON in their new album; or that Billy dated TILA TEQUILA, or that in their new video they star AUDREY KITCHING; or that LINDA STRAWBERRY blogs about Billy and the tour every 5 hours; or that they REUNITED with a DIFFERENT BAND and still kept the SAME NAME!!!! I mean isn't this just ZWAN all over again??
ARTISTIC INTEGRITY MY ASS. Maybe if they kept the MEDIA SLUTS out of their shit and their music, their fans would still care. They have no old, hardcore fans left. Maybe if they didn't put D'ARCY'S BASS IN A COFFIN in their new album, their respectable fans would stull care.
Fuck you, Billy.
Megan says – reply to this

85

I care about them for sure…not everyone is willing to whore their name out for crap products like pepsi.
SMASHING PUMPKINS SUCK ASS says – reply to this

86

they sold out a long fucking time ago.

WTF?

Now they think they have a right to sue.
They use to be played on MTV and VH1 how often?
Now their suing Virgin records because they destroyed their integrity.

Stupidest shit I ever heard.
They can fuck off with left nut!
chayizoh! says – reply to this

87

Hell yeah people still care about this awesome band!!
WolfRevo says – reply to this

88

SP rock! They are so good. They´re finally coming to Costa Rica this next month, can´t wait!
sara says – reply to this

89

i do

they're one of the few bands that are still around and still make good music
Sar says – reply to this

90

are you kidding me!!!!!!!! YES!
Ms. D says – reply to this

91

SP will always be relevant, especially in the landscape of modern music. Their songs will continue to resonate with people who seek out quality and truth through music. It's a shame that, because they may not be on the current charts, an entire generation is willing eschew them based on perceived popularity.
michele says – reply to this

92

i adore them. they are my favorite band ever. i also admire them for not embracing the commercialization (literally) of their music.
m says – reply to this

93

yes, people do still care.
fuck conglomerations
Starla Dear says – reply to this

94

"Smashing Pumpkins should have split after their first two brilliant albums. Corgan is a mess, and if he honestly thinks he has any artistic integrity left, he's been spending way too much time around equally deluded pal Courtney Love."

The first two records were Gish and Siamese Dream. I'm guessing you are not familiar with Gish, because otherwise you're saying that Mellon Collie shouldn't habe been made, and well, that's just daft.

I remember when attaching your song to a product would scream "sellout". For some reason it just isn't a taboo anymore and I'm not sure why. It is the artist's right to chose when and where they're music is used.
MIKE B says – reply to this

95

fuck you perez, the smashing pumpkins were one of the best bands of the 1990's just because they aren't as popular as the fucking shit you probably listen to doesn't make them any less in intelectual people's eyes..
)@3i says – reply to this

96

I care too! And I applaud this intervention to protect their good name. Perez sometimes you come off like a stupid simpleton. I bet you think the average person should care about Paris Hilton instead.
Vanessa says – reply to this

97

YEA THE SMASHING PUMPKINS ROCK
SERIOUSLY DUDE
Lee says – reply to this

98

Of course people still care about them! They've worked very hard to accumulate a dedicated, core fan base and have never been interested in selling themselves out for sponsorship money from corporate America. I wouldn't expect anyone who surrounds themselves with celebrities that do to understand this. It's so rare that bands actually make music for the music and for themselves, that when this notion is challenged, it is misinterpreted.
bill says – reply to this

99

one of the BEST BANDS ever, AGAIN Perez knows ZERO about music
elleng says – reply to this

100

yes smashing pumpkins are incredible musicians, and deserve to have their art used only under their discretion

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