Weird Al Yankovic?

[xizorkatarn]

In the Ultimate Setlist forum, there's a thread that's talking about how Weird Al Yankovic WANTS to be in a music game, and says he just has never been approached by any of the companies. This got me thinking... isn't Rock Band Network perfect for bringing those who want to be included into the game?

Now, I'll admit, I have no idea how to go about charting music or even contacting bands for rights. Does anyone else think it's worth approaching Weird Al about Rock Band Network? Can anyone try it? What do you guys think?

[Zorrki]

I think this idea has been tossed around a few times actually. His parodies would be licencing hell I'd imagine, but I'd actually prefer some of his original songs. Although the 10 min time limit would mean no Albuquerque.

[xizorkatarn]

That's unfortunate, that's the song by him I want the most. He still has tons of great stuff though, and who knows? Maybe getting him on RBN would convince HMX to approach him for the regular store as well.

I brought up the parody rights issue in the thread on the other forum, and I got a lot of responses saying that part of the rights deal he negotiated in the first place would give him full control over even his parody songs, allowing him to use them in concert and put them on "Greatest Hits" collections. It sounds to me that parodies would be plausible.

[FujiSkunk]

I brought up the parody rights issue in the thread on the other forum, and I got a lot of responses saying that part of the rights deal he negotiated in the first place would give him full control over even his parody songs, allowing him to use them in concert and put them on "Greatest Hits" collections. It sounds to me that parodies would be plausible.

It's further complicated by Harmonix's "no covers" policy for the RBN. Not sure if a parody fits their definition of "cover," but I imagine it would.

[jeccaneko]

Yes, I'm pretty sure HMX has said that his parody songs would count as a cover and thus not be allowed. His original songs could be released though.

[xizorkatarn]

That's so weird, I had no idea that rule existed. Well, thankfully he has plenty of originals worth releasing, such as Dare to Be Stupid, Everything You Know Is Wrong, Genius in France, I Remember Larry, Your Horoscope for Today, UHF, and more.

[ctyner]

I know it's been explained as a moot point already, but...

I brought up the parody rights issue in the thread on the other forum, and I got a lot of responses saying that part of the rights deal he negotiated in the first place would give him full control over even his parody songs, allowing him to use them in concert and put them on "Greatest Hits" collections. It sounds to me that parodies would be plausible.

Right, but concerts and audio collections are one thing. Dropping 'em in a video game (or anything displaying on a television or movie theater screen) gets into "sync rights", and that's a whole other (and much messier) set of negotiations.

I'd love to see some of Al's originals pop up on RBN. With a new album coming out later this year, maybe we'll see that happen (or maybe even some of his parodies wind up as Harmonix-released DLC?).

[Wolfsbane]

OMG UHF would be so much fun!

[PlatStrat]

I made a thread about trying to get HMX's attention about his popularity here
If you support this post a comment on the thread.

[LuigiHann]

I think Albuquerque could be edited down to under 10 minutes without hurting the song too much