Sonic 3 The Movie is about to debut in theaters around the world, and among the various announcements made in recent months SEGA also confirmed that one of the iconic songs of the Blue Hedgehog saga.
We’re talking about Live & Learnsong composed by the band Crush 40 and played by Johnny Gioelivocalist of the group: the single debuted in the game Sonic Adventure 2published in 2001 on Dreamcast and Nintendo Gamecube, only to then be revived in Sonic Geneartion and even in external collaborations such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Gioeli has however recently sued SEGA complaining about the fact that Sonic’s company has repeatedly exploited the song without owning the rights, which would instead be totally in his hands. According to his thesis, SEGA would indeed own the rights on the text of the song, but what music and master recording would be regularly registered in his name at the BMI.
The problem would have emerged particularly at the moment in which Gioeli made an agreement with Paramount precisely because of the presence of the song in the upcoming film: during the last year he has had contact with two different SEGA lawyers, one of whom would totally deny his rights to the song while another, more accommodating, would speak of a joint production with consequent 50% of the royalties per party.
Long story Short: for all uses of the song by SEGA in the last 23 years Gioeli demands 500.000$ the royalties and others $500,000 in damages.
1 million at table 2.
“I have no further comments other than my desire to maintain the long and beautiful relationship with SEGA – However, Gioeli declares to the microphones of Polygon – I don’t want fans to jump to conclusions or be disturbed in their beautiful memories that we created together with this music. I believe and hope that we will reach a peaceful agreement that is fair and equitable.”
Sonic 3 The Movie will arrive in Italian cinemas on 1 January 2025.
Sign up for the Newsletter
Stay updated on the Gamesurf world: previews, reviews, tests and much more.
SIGN UP
