[kj] OT- Alex, Johnny speaks of the Ramones

[B. Oliver Sheppard]

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/ex-ramones-drummer-sues-wal-mart-apple/story.aspx?guid=%7BE95C2A88-2A82-48DC-88DA-4AF758A60891%7D


Ex-Ramones drummer sues Wal-Mart, Apple over downloads
By Chad Bray

Last Update: 2:20 PM ET Sep 21, 2007

(Updated with spokespersons from Wal-Mart, Apple and Real Networks 
declining comment in last paragraph.)

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- A former drummer of the iconic punk rock band 
The Ramones sued Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Friday, alleging copyright 
infringement over digital downloads of the band's songs.

Richard Reinhardt, who performed under the name Richie Ramone, filed his 
lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan, which also names Ramones 
Productions Inc. and the estate of the band's late lead singer John 
Cummings, who performed as Johnny Ramone.

Reinhardt claims he is the author of six Ramones songs - "Smash You," 
"Somebody Put Something In My Drink," "Human Kind," "I'm Not Jesus," "I 
Know Better Now" and "(You) Can't Say Anything Nice."

"Significantly, Richie has never licensed or authorized the use of the 
compositions in any digital formats," the lawsuit says.
Reinhardt, who now lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., was the band's drummer 
from 1983 to 1987 while Marky Ramone was on hiatus, according to the 
band's Web site.

The lawsuit claims Reinhardt has suffered at least $900,000 in damages 
as a result of the alleged infringement.

Spokespersons at Wal-Mart, Real Networks and Apple all declined comment 
on Friday.

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