Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Van Halen Sues Over Use Of Band's Name

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

Our last word in business today is: "Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love." It's a classic from Van Halen, a band that brings to mind blistering guitar solos and sold-out arenas.

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

But baby blankets and armoires? Probably not. That's the gist of a lawsuit filed by the band against drummer Alex Van Halen's ex-wife.

GREENE: The rockers accuse Kelly Van Halen of exploiting her famous last name to promote her own interior design business and kids' clothing line. The Kelly Van Halen Co. sells a whole range of products that include ponchos and swimsuits, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

MONTAGNE: The band says her trademark is, quote, "confusingly similar to their own, and dilutes the Van Halen brand."

GREENE: What are they saying - that leopard-patterned baby bath towels are not true rock 'n' roll? I don't know what they're talking about.

MONTAGNE: Hmm.

GREENE: This whole legal debate just makes me want to jump.

(LAUGHTER)

GREENE: Business news on MORNING EDITION, from NPR News. I'm David Greene.

MONTAGNE: And I'm Renee Montagne. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.