Would you pay almost $14,000 to hear a local band play a cover version of Tom Petty’s hit “I Won’t Back Down”?
Randy White might, and he’s not happy about it.
White’s problems began Aug. 10, 2007. It was a Friday night, and a crowd came to his club, called Randzz, to drink beer, play pool and maybe listen to the band.
At least one person listened – closely. The band’s playlist, which included hits by Stone Temple Pilots and Bob Sege r, got that person’s attention.
About 10 months later, several music publishers filed a lawsuit against White, accusing him of copyright infringement. They argued that he was allowing bands to play copyrighted songs without their permission or the proper license. In late May, a federal judge ruled in their favor.
White said he plans to appeal. “I just don’t feel I’m responsible for it,” he said. “They should be talking to the bands.”
