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Monday, 08 September 2008

Devo suing McDonalds for 'Energy Dome Hat' usage

30/06/2008 12:13:00 PM.  | Jesse Perez

Devo, the kooky post-punk band best known for their hit song "Whip It", are suing fast food giant McDonalds for stealing its trademarked "Energy Dome" hat.

The suit comes after the restaurant released a series of Happy Meal toys in conjunction with popular reality show American Idol.

The toys featured characters across a range of musical styles including 'Country Clay' and 'Rockin' Riley'.

But it was the 'New Wave Nigel' toy that caught the attention of the band, and prompted the lawsuit. The character wears a hat that bears a striking resemblance to the trademarked "Energy Dome" headpiece worn by the group for over 20 years.

Devo Bass player Gerald Casale confirmed that the group were suing the chain for using the image without permission.

"This New Wave Nigel doll that they've created is just a complete Devo rip-off and the red hat is exactly the red hat that I designed, and it's copyrighted and trademarked.

"They didn't ask us anything. Plus, we don't like McDonald's, and we don't like American Idol, so we're doubly offended." Casale told AAP.

Devo formed in 1974 and in their musical career they focused on the decline of modern society - Their name is an abbreviation of "de-evolution".

He expressed the irony that a group so heavily focused on the dangers of rampant consumerism would be embraced by the world’s largest fast food chain.

"The very same people that wanted nothing to do with Devo and looked down on Devo and condescended (to) Devo... enough time's gone by that they go, 'Hey, you know those guys are synonymous with what was new about New Wave,"' he said.

"'So if we're going to do New Wave Nigel what do people recognise iconically better than Devo and the red hat?"'

The members of Devo however, are no stranger to popular childrens culture. Singer Mark Mothersbaugh formed a music composition company with brother Bob, and composed the famous "Rugrats" theme music, along with music for other childrens programs.

Devo will be bringing their eccentric live show and music, and presumably their fight against McDonalds, to Australia for their nation wide tour in August.

COMMENTS

Thursday, 03 July 2008

Yawn.

Posted by: Mighty Frenchman, Carbondale

 
 

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