The '90s pop music scene was a hotbed of creativity and legal battles, as these beloved groups faced a myriad of legal challenges that threatened their success and legacy. From band breakups to copyright disputes, these artists' stories are a fascinating insight into the darker side of the music industry.
One of the most well-known cases is that of Milli Vanilli, who started the decade with a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. However, their success was short-lived when it was revealed that they were lip-syncing all their tracks. This led to a backlash, lawsuits, and the revocation of their Grammy. The group's producer, Frank Farian, opened the legal floodgates, and despite attempts at a comeback as Rob & Fab, the group's career was ultimately cut short by the death of Rob Pilatus in 1998.
Another high-profile case was that of The Verve, whose hit 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' sampled an orchestral cover of The Rolling Stones' 'The Last Time'. While The Verve cleared it with Decca Records, Allen Klein's publishing company ABKCO hadn't approved the use. This led to a legal dispute, with Allen suing the band. The Verve ultimately settled out of court, relinquishing all profits to Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and ABKCO. It wasn't until 2019 that Mick and Keith signed over the publishing rights and royalties to The Verve's Richard Ashcroft.
The Smiths also faced legal battles, with Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke suing Morrissey and Johnny Marr for unpaid royalties. The case was won by the band members in 1996, but it destroyed the chance of a reunion. The band's bad blood and legal issues have meant that the iconic group is unlikely to bring about a reunion tour.
Destiny's Child, one of the most beloved pop groups of the '90s, also faced legal troubles. LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, original members of the band, filed a lawsuit against their manager, Mathew Knowles, alleging unfair financial compensation, mismanagement, and being unjustly dismissed from Destiny's Child. The band kept performing into the 2000s, but the line-up had changed, and original fans would have noticed a difference. LeToya and LaTavia were replaced, and they only found out when they watched the 'Say My Name' music video.
Finally, Talking Heads, who defined the '80s, also faced legal battles in the '90s. When the other three members attempted to tour as The Heads in 1996, with a more relaxed vocalist, David Byrne took them to court. They've only performed live once since then, for their 2002 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band didn't officially break up until 1991, but tensions had been brewing as David Byrne took control over the band.
These legal battles highlight the challenges faced by pop artists in the '90s, and how their success and legacy can be threatened by legal disputes. It's a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of the music industry, there are often complex and emotional stories that are rarely told.
