Metallica Apologize To Cover Band After Legal Controversy

The backlash came after Sandman’s frontman Joe Di Taranto spoke with Rolling Stone, stating that his band had “been using this logo for years with no problems at all”.

Metallica, it transpired, were not aware of the letter until it circulated online, and subsequently offered Sandman their full support. “Quite amusing! LOL (laugh out loud)!”

According to the document, the tribute band have been using their “official, stylized” logo when distributing information to bring attention to their gigs, referencing its use on Sandman’s Facebook and YouTube profiles.

Di Taranto has yet to reveal how they plan to respond to the notice. But no, now they’re apparently serving Cease and Desist letters to tribute bands as Sandman, a Canadian Metallica tribute band, found out recently.

“We hear that a Canadian Metallica tribute band is a little upset with us and with a little digging, figured out why”, the band said in a statement.

“Sandman should file the letter in the trash”, the band continued.

However, in a statement to Rolling Stone, Metallica blamed an “overzealous” attorney for the incident and said the letter was sent without their knowledge. “We will always remember those days and continue to enjoy tribute bands, even inviting them to support us on various tours over the years”.

Metallica have now officially given Sandman their blessing, with drummer Lars Ulrich having called the cover band to give them the thumbs-up. Yeah, shut that cover band down now guys before they have that big pay day…of two 12 packs and parking validation.

The guys in Metallica emphasized the point that they have tremendous respect for tribute bands, as evidence of their 1998 covers album Garage Inc.

It reads: “We are kindly writing to request that Sandman stop using the name Metallica, the phonetic equivalent of Metallica or any of Metallica’s logos on or to identify or promote live musical performances”.