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Eddie Vedder Sued Over 'Into the Wild' Soundtrack Song

Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder is being sued in Manhattan by Canadian musician Gordon Peterson, two years after covering the track 'Big Hard Sun' for the Sean Penn-directed movie 'Into the Wild.'

Peterson alleges the 20-year old track, licensed by Universal Records, was changed to its detriment, claiming in the law suit that "Vedder altered certain key lyrics of 'Hard Sun' ... eroding the integrity of the composition."

The Canadian singer, who only originally recorded one album called 'Big Harvest' in 1989 under the name Indio, has had his career partially resurrected from the wilderness by the release of 'Into the Wild' in 2007, when the album was reissued on the strength of its soundtrack.

Peterson also claims in his lawsuit that Universal acted unlawfully by not requesting his permission, and is suing for the profits from 'infringement.'

Vedder's lawyer Gregory Clarick told the New York Post, "We don't see any basis for a copyright infringement claim."

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CanEhdian

Thank God! Legitimate or not, if anybody deserves to be sued for recording a crap cover of a song it's Eddie Vedder. His version of "Hard Sun" is completely devoid of the sensitivity, honesty and authenticity of the original. Peterson's version was an anthem here in Canada precisely because he was the kind of guy who wrote an performed from the heart and would never sell out. Can't say the same for Eddie. Peterson wrote the song. Peterson deserves control over what gets done with it. If Eddie didn't have the class to ask permission, let Eddie pay up.

March 06 2010 at 1:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brian

Eddie took something that needed to be real and made it that way. Take the money and get a life dude. Eddy rules.

January 31 2010 at 12:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mark

Ruined the integrity of the composition?!? Eddie did more with "Hard Sun" than this fool ever did!

January 28 2010 at 3:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mdhhoya

What a complete crock of moose turds...you're getting royalties and profit share simply because it was covered and re-released...it's the worst song on the album to boot...

January 28 2010 at 3:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply