The Beastie Boys Head To Court With Monster Energy Over Likeness

Adam Yauch (MCA of The Beastie Boys) had some pretty noble final thoughts as to how his image, likeness and life's work were to be handled in his tragic absence, famously amending his will to forbid his material and image from ever being used for advertising. When the massive energy drink outfit Monster decided to incorporate 5 of The Beasties' most notable pieces ( "Sabotage," "Pass the Mic," "Make Some Noise," "So What'cha Want" and "Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun") in a snowboarding super-cut, they explicitly went against the wishes of the late great MCA.

As the defendant in the battle, Monster has admitted to the use of the innovative and ruckus NYC crew's material, but claims the $1 million damages claim to be excessive. However, the fellas have found that use of their music goes beyond the topical "likeness" claim and is more in-line with an "implied endorsement," which means Monster was able to monetarily capitalize on the implementation of material and image without the consent of the group. As far as we're concerned, it seems the boys will likely get their settlement, paying proper respect to their fallen brother, but for the full scoop on the legal dispute head over to Billboard. The court proceedings are expected to take about 6 or 7 days, so be sure to check back with us next week for the verdict.