You’ve probably heard the mournful croonings of Johnny Cash’s ‘Hurt’ at one time or another. And if you’re a true rock and roll enthusiast, you’d also know the song was actually penned by the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails long before Cash cashed in on it. But as of late, it seems a Canadian public figure is trying to make Nine Inch Nails happen again: Notley, Iverson, and Nenshi.
If you haven’t heard, the Premier of Alberta (Notley), the Mayor of Edmonton (Iverson), and the Mayor of Calgary (Nenshi) have formed their own self-proclaimed trifecta, NIN. They debuted this on June 23 with the best way to get the people going – a Twitter post featuring Notley and Nenshi holding up two matching black t-shirts with Nine Inch Nails’ signature (and copyrighted) logo. Underneath it reads: “Building Alberta Together”.
While that’s all fine and dandy, Nine Inch Nails front man, Trent Reznor, wasn’t too pleased. It wasn’t just the blatant copy-cat nature that had Reznor up in arms; apparently copies of this counterfeit shirt were being sold on a third party’s website. Both Nenshi and Notley’s offices confirmed they received a “politely worded letter” from Reznor’s representatives asking them to refrain from using the logo.
ADVERTISEMENT |
“We got advice that there were some concerns about the trademark and essentially to cease and desist,” Iveson said. Billboard has reached out to Nine Inch Nail’s representatives to confirm that a cease and desist letter what mailed, but thus far no confirmation. Too bad. Using the branding of a band who’s smash hit is about “fu*king you like an animal” seems like a great political strategy.
The best part is that Notley is no stranger to ripping off the rock and roll scene. During her campaign this spring, her union supporters retailed shirts repping Mötley Crüe’s logo, calling themselves the Nötley Crüe. Lay off the pop culture references, Alberta. It’s a little embarrassing.
Related Link: Life after the mayor election: Why Canadian politics still matter
Featured image: Alberta’s NDP’s Facebook page
ADVERTISEMENT |
What do you think of this logo mishap? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.
