Crush 40 member John Gioeli has filed a lawsuit against Sega concerning the rights to the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog song “Live and Learn,” originally featured in Sonic Adventure 2. Gioeli claims ownership of the master recording and composition, alleging he was unaware of its widespread use across various Sonic media beyond the initial agreement. The lawsuit specifically mentions the song’s presence in Sega’s games and its licensing to Nintendo for the Super Smash Bros. series.
The iconic “Live and Learn” track debuted in Sonic Adventure 2.
Gioeli contends his initial $3,000 contract with Sega only covered writing the lyrics for “Live and Learn.” However, the lawsuit asserts he also arranged, produced, recorded, and performed the vocals using his own equipment without Sega’s supervision or control. He claims no agreement exists transferring the master recording rights to Sega, arguing he owns the master recording and likely co-owns the composition.
The lawsuit seeks $500,000 for breach of contract, $500,000 in restitution, attorney fees, and a legal determination of ownership concerning the master recording and composition. Importantly, this lawsuit doesn’t involve the song’s inclusion in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Gioeli confirmed earlier this year that Paramount licensed the song directly for the film. The lawsuit focuses solely on the song’s use in other Sonic media, including video games and television shows.
Gioeli seeks $500,000 for breach of contract, an additional $500,000 in restitution, attorney fees, and a legal judgment regarding ownership of the master recordings and the composition itself. Importantly, this legal action doesn’t pertain to the song’s inclusion in the recent Sonic the Hedgehog 3 film. Gioeli previously confirmed Paramount secured a separate license for the movie’s soundtrack. The lawsuit centers exclusively on the use of “Live and Learn” in other Sonic properties, such as video games and TV series.
John Gioeli’s lawsuit centers on the rights to “Live and Learn” across various Sonic media.
The outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain, but Sonic fans have expressed concerns about potential future collaborations between Sega and Crush 40. The band’s music is deeply connected to the Dreamcast era, and its inclusion in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 generated considerable excitement. Fans hope for a fair resolution that compensates Gioeli while ensuring “Live and Learn” remains a part of the Sonic universe. This isn’t the first time Sega has faced legal challenges regarding beloved aspects of the Sonic franchise, fueling fan anxieties about history repeating itself. Fortunately, Gioeli expresses hope for an amicable settlement.
In a statement to Polygon, Gioeli stated, “I have no comment other than my desire to maintain the preservation of a long standing beautiful relationship with Sega. I do not want fans to draw conclusions or be disrupted from the beautiful memories we have made collectively with this music. I believe and hope we will come to a peaceful settlement that will be fair and just.”
He emphasized his desire for a peaceful resolution with Sega, stating he wants to preserve their long-standing relationship and avoid disrupting positive fan memories associated with the music. He expressed optimism for a fair and just settlement.
