Metallica have issued a cease and desist order against the tribute band Sandman over the use of the group’s name and trademarked, official, stylized logos.
Billed as “Canada’s tribute to Metallica,” Sandman promote themselves with a stylized logo that appears similar to branding used by the veteran metal outfit.
Guitarist/vocalist Joe Di Taranto broke the news via his Facebook page, posting the first page of the document (see below) and writing: “So as some of you may or may not know, in my spare time from WarMachine, I play in a couple tribute acts...One being a #Metallica tribute called Sandman.
“Well last night when we arrived at the venue for our show in London, ON, we were served with ‘Cease & Desist’ papers courtesy of Metallica's lawyers. Quite funny! LOL!”
“We are kindly writing to request that Sandman stop using the name Metallica, the phonetic equivalent of Metallica or any of Metallica’s logos on or to identify or promote live musical performances,” began the 41-page document from representatives for the group.
Since news broke of the legal action, Sandman has nearly doubled the likes on their Facebook page from 523 to almost 1,000.
On Wednesday, the tribute act updated the page with a new logo featuring Sandman in a generic font type accompanied by several teddy bears.
Metallica have been in the studio working on the follow-up to 2008’s “Death Magnetic”, and shared a brief clip of some new music over the Christmas holidays.
The band will headline a Super Bowl 50 eve concert on February 6 at AT&T Park in San Francisco ahead of the big game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA on Sunday, February 7.
See also:
VIDEO: Metallica preview new music
San Francisco Giants to host 4th annual Metallica Night
Metallica guitarist updates new album status
Metallica to headline Super Bowl 50 eve concert
Search Metallica at hennemusic
