Former Ramone Drummer Sues for Royalties

Richard “Richie Ramone” Reinhardt, a former member of the punk band Ramones, is suing several major corporations, the band’s management, and the estate of the band’s lead guitarist to recover royalties on songs sold over the Internet. Reinhardt claims he is owed at least $900,000 in royalties because he never authorized digital sale of the six songs he wrote for the band. Reinhardt has asked the court to issue an injunction prohibiting further use of his songs without permission.

The Ramones formed their band in 1974 and performed until 1996. They are known as one of the best punk bands of all time. Three of the group’s leading members Johnny, Joey, and Dee Dee died in recent years. Reinhardt became the Ramones’ drummer in the 1980s and performed during the group’s most illustrious years. However, according to Reinhardt’s attorney, he never received due recognition creatively or economically. The settlement attempts between Reinhardt and the other side have failed and the case will be going to trial.

See AP, Former Ramone Sues Over Song Downloads, MSN.com, Sept. 21, 2007.

Special thanks to Joel Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.