THE HIVES - SONGWRITER TO SUE THE HIVES

SONGWRITER TO SUE THE HIVES

Swedish rockers THE HIVES are facing legal action from Los Angeles-based songwriter JASON SHAPIRO after he accused the band of copyright infringement over their song TICK TICK BOOM.
Shapiro is preparing to file suit against the group amidst claims they plagiarised his song Why You?, which was originally recorded by the Roofies in 1997.
The song was covered by Three Way in 2002, and now the writer alleges The Hives used the same vocal melody and riff from the track in their own song.
Shapiro has also hired a music expert to analyse the songs and confirm his findings before suing, reports the Los Angeles Times.
He says, "(The musicologist) said the part in question - the main riff and vocal melody - was very similar and its uniqueness led him to believe it wasn't just a coincidence. He also runs it through a background test seeing if any charts from previous songs are close and we were clear on that front.
"I absolutely love The Hives and don't feel great about suing a band I love. But I also feel credit is due where it is due if you borrow a riff."