The Risk goes to law as X Factor band uses name of a group that’s been going 28 years
Tuesday 11th October 2011, 2:29PM BST.
BOYBAND ‘The Risk’ may have the X Factor but it should change its name, said the bassist of a Guernsey-based band with the same moniker.
Mark Le Gallez, 48 (pictured), is seeking legal advice after Tulisa Contostavlos, one of the judges and mentors of the Simon Cowell-produced national television talent contest, put together a band of the same name to compete in the live show.
Mr Le Gallez’s power-pop band was formed in 1984 and features fellow islanders Colin Leach on guitar and Stuart Austin on drums – although the group has had several drummers during its existence.
Guernsey’s The Risk has toured across Europe and the USA, were previously signed to London-based Unicorn Records, and have released five albums of original material.
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It sounds like the x factor band is trying to benefit from the reputation of the Guernsey band.
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isnt it ok until the bands become signed by a recdord contract?
I know the local band are, but the xfactor band isnt. SO I guess its ok until they get signed up to a contract?
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This is a question of intellectual property. If I was to start a band called the Beatles – there was one before but they haven’t gigged for years and two of them are dead – lets see how quick it would be before the lawyers got involved. The fact is the Risk are still gigging and Mark is a respected musician within the industry. X factor should have done its research first. Imagine how Cowell would react if you named a band after one of his bands, even the ones that are now consigned to the musical dustbin. Good luck Mark
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Re Ted`s comment – I think it`s the other way round ! (unless you were being tongue in cheek)
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I can see their point. If my name was associated with that show I’d be taking legal action too!
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The X-Factor show is a disgrace – it would have taken them less than 2 minutes to Google the name and see that Mark’s band has been using The Risk commercially since 1984. My band, The Threads, was also signed to Unicorn and we played many excellent gigs with The Risk. Also, in recent years, The Risk contributed songs to the compilation albums I released on my Biff Bang Pow Record label. Their albums have recently been re-released on CD and on iTunes by Detour Records. It’s an open and shut case morally and legally – let’s hope we don’t see bully boy tactics from the ITV production company to steamroller over 28 years of history!!!
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Managed the bands run through California all those years ago… Sorry Simon, but just becuase a band thats been around for 28 years doesn’t have corporate backing, doesn’t mean the name isn’t theirs. Looking forward to visiting England should I be needed as a witness :-)
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