Sonic Musician Sues SEGA

Business

19 December 2024 19:38

Sega of America is facing a lawsuit from Johnny Gioeli, the lead vocalist of the rock band Crush 40, over the rights to the song "Live & Learn," which serves as the main theme for the 2001 Dreamcast title Sonic Adventure 2.

According to Game Developer, Gioeli claims he composed, recorded, and produced the song independently, without any involvement from Sega. He further asserts that he holds the original master recording of the track. Gioeli is seeking financial compensation, alleging that the use of "Live & Learn" outside of its original context—beyond Sonic Adventure 2—is a breach of his contract with Sony.

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While "Live & Learn" has become synonymous with Sonic Adventure 2, it has also appeared in several other games, including Super Smash Bros. titles featuring Sonic as a playable character, Sega's Yakuza series, and even Capcom's Monster Hunter Rise.

Gioeli acknowledges that the song may be co-owned by himself and Sega but argues that Sega's rights are "expressly limited to the lyrics themselves." He is asking the court to "conclusively establish" the song's ownership and clarify his rights over its use.

Tags: SEGA

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