We are about one day away from the release of a Sonic the hedgehog 3and we know that the third film in the franchise will make a live-action film enter the iconic song “Live & Learn” from Sonic adventure 2. While Sonic fans will likely feel very nostalgic when they hear the song in the movie, the artist behind the track and several others within the franchise are now suing Sega for claiming that they used the song without proper permission.
Polygon reports that Johnny Gioeli, singer of the rock band Crush 40, has filed a lawsuit, claiming that the publisher Blur Blue has breached his contract with the musician. The suit was recorded on December 5and claims that Sega has been using the song without properly compensating him, since it only has rights to the lyrics of songs like “Live & Learn,” but not the main recording that appears in Sonic adventure 2 and other games he has appeared in in the 23 years since. “Live & Learn” has been featured in games like Sonic generations and non-Sonic games like Super Smash Bros Ultimate. Gioeli maintains that he was not properly compensated for these and other uses of the song.
Gioeli claims in the lawsuit that he personally “held and recorded” the song with the BMI licensing agency, and also retains the copyright which lists him as the author who has the rights and permissions for the writing and words. According to the lawsuit, Gioeli says he was only aware that “Live & Learn” was used in the original release of Sonic adventure 2and was only told the other times it was used by a fan in 2024.
Gioeli is looking to the court for clarity on who owns the masters of the original song and is seeking compensation for all uses of the song in addition to those in the original song. Sonic adventure 2. Gioeli confirmed earlier this year that he had signed a deal with Paramount allowing the use of “Live & Learn” in Sonic the hedgehog 3. He has been in contact with at least two lawyers over the dispute, one from Sega who told him he had no rights to the song, and another who said the song claimed to be “joint work,” which entitled Gioeli to “50 percent. of Sega's profits” from the song. The singer's lawyer says damages would include $500,000, along with at least another $500,000 for unpaid royalties.
In a statement to PolygonGioeli said he wants to maintain his relationship with Sega and doesn't want this to ruin the memories fans made with Crush 40's music.
“I have no idea other than my desire to preservea beautiful relationship that has existed for a long time with Sega,” Gioeli said in his statement to Polygon. “I don't want fans to jump to conclusions or be confused by the beautiful memories we made together with this music. I believe and hope that we will come to a peaceful situation that will be fair and just.”
Crush 40 has appeared in several Sonic Games from the beginning Sonic Adventureafter adding music to games like Sonic Heroes, The Shadow of the Greenand Sonic and the black knight. Although their contributions to the series have become scarcer in recent years, their music has been reused in several games, including this year's game. Shadow generations.
