The Velvet Underground have sprung to the defence one their iconic album covers against the Andy Warhol Foundation.
Andy Warhol, who also managed the band, created the iconic cover art of a single banana for their debut album "The Velvet Underground & Nico" in 1967.
Today's legal issue stems from the Andy Warhol Foundation licensing the image to appear on iPhone and iPad case makers, and other accessories including bags.
According to
Billboard, the band never formally registered the banana as a trademark. But now, the founding members
Lou Reed (who recently collaborated with
Metallica on "
Lulu") and
John Cale argue that the image "
became a symbol, truly an icon, of The Velvet Underground" for decades.
Stories about how the artwork was made have been making the rounds for years, but this case may finally confirm the truth.
One legend says a French singer was once greeted by Nico with a bunch of bananas, inspiring Warhol to make the cover. Another story, upon which the band are basing their case, says Warhol designed the image in exchange for $3, 000.
Given that the cover is considered one of the most famous of all time, it is no surprise that Lou Reed and John Cale argue it is more associated with their music than the artist who invented pop art. In turn, they will argue for legal control over the image - and the resulting royalties.
pls, don't remember me of that... i had almost forgot it