Spinal Tap’s creators have settled a copyright lawsuit with Universal Music Group

The rights to the music from the 1984 mockumentary will “eventually” transfer to its creators.

November 05, 2019
Spinal Tap’s creators have settled a copyright lawsuit with Universal Music Group Smell the glove   Michael Ochs Archives / Getty

This is Spinal Tap’s makers settled a copyright lawsuit with Universal Music Group, according to Variety. The dispute, first filed in 2016, had concerned the soundtrack recordings for the 1984 rock mockumentary. Lead plaintiff Harry Shearer, who stars as bassist Derek Smalls in Spinal Tap, reportedly said in a statement, “I must admit, from the moment we first began mediation with them to now, I’ve been impressed by UMG’s respect for creatives and their distinctive desire to seek a prompt and equitable solution to the issues.” The settlement states that the music distribution rights will “eventually...be given to the creators.” No date was announced, however, for when the rights would be fully transferred.

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Spinal Tap’s creators have settled a copyright lawsuit with Universal Music Group