Closed Flagstaff venue Yucca North hit with copyright infringement lawsuit; Arizona Daily Sun, June 24, 2026

SAM MCLAUGHLIN , Arizona Daily Sun; Closed Flagstaff venue Yucca North hit with copyright infringement lawsuit

"And this week, to add insult to injury, Yucca North’s owners were sued by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for alleged nonpayment of music licensing fees and copyright infringement...

The complaint against Yucca North references three specific songs that were allegedly performed without permission on Nov. 10 or 11, 2025: “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots; “Creep” by Radiohead; and “Play that Funky Music” by Wild Cherry.

ASCAP also sued 11 other businesses in different states, on similar grounds of copyright infringement.

“Tens of thousands of well-run establishments across the country recognize the value of music and obtain ASCAP blanket licenses because music attracts customers, causes them to stay longer and spend more money,” ASCAP executive vice president Stephanie Ruyle said in a press release announcing the litigation. “U.S. copyright law requires that businesses compensate the creators of that music when they use it, and ASCAP ensures the creators of that music get paid. However, each of the establishments sued today has chosen to infringe upon the hard work of songwriters instead of licensing the music they play, despite repeated notifications and opportunities to do so.”

ASCAP claims that Yucca North stopped paying music licensing fees in September 2024."

Another Pop Group Tells Romney to Stop Using Its Song; New York Times, 8/16/12

James C. McKinley, Jr., New York Times; Another Pop Group Tells Romney to Stop Using Its Song:

"A publicist for the Silversun Pickups said the band does not agree that the use of the song is covered under the blanket licenses. Copyright experts say such licenses, usually bought by restaurants and other businesses that play recorded music, do protect the campaign from many copyright complaints, but a politician can still be sued under the federal trademark law for false advertising if the use of the song implies that the musician has endorsed the candidate."

G.O.P. Candidates Are Told, Don’t Use the Verses, It’s Not Your Song; New York Times, 2/3/12

James C. McKinley, Jr., New York Times; G.O.P. Candidates Are Told, Don’t Use the Verses, It’s Not Your Song:

"Experts on copyright law said such licenses, usually bought by restaurants and other businesses that play recorded music, do protect the campaign from many copyright complaints, but a politician can still be sued under the federal trademark law for false advertising if the use of the song implies that the musician has endorsed the candidate."