Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

METALLICA is threatening serious legal action against a group of their own fans who have been performing covers of the metal band’s music. SANDMAN, also known as “Canada’s Tribute To Metallica” were served with the 41 page cease and desist letter right before their very own gig, reported rockfeed.net.

“Metallica owns, and has registered, their name and trademark METALLICA”, the letter scolds. Quite humorously, the letter goes on to tout Metallica’s success. (As if their own fans didn’t already know)

The legal papers reference the cover act using their “official, stylized” logo when distributing information to bring attention to their gigs.

The legal paperwork references the band’s Facebook and YouTube profiles in the documents, which means Metallica probably has a team of people who actually scour the internet looking for people playing their music. (!!!)

It’s pretty brutal that the band was served with legal paperwork at their very own show. Sadly, they’re all probably pretty bummed that their favorite band is threatening legal action against them, which will probably require them to stop playing the music that they love. It makes you wonder how much money they actually made as a small time cover band performing Metallica songs.

Most local cover bands only make a few hundred dollars to split among themselves, playing together only as a hobby — using what little money they make to cover equipment and transportation expenses. Clearly, Metallica doesn’t seem to care about any of that.

Over time, Metallica has taken a lot of heat for their aggressive stance against those who use their intellectual property — though it’s clear they really don’t care what anybody thinks.