Fake histories? Original bands, contemporary formations and Little River Band

Abstract

ABSTRACT The artist as ‘star-text’ remains intrinsic to the music industry's understandings of ‘authenticity’ and subsequent commodification of the music artist (and circulations of celebrity). Partial band ‘reunions’ and touring acts with few original band members speak to the economic rewards in continuing well-known bands as brands. This article examines the cultural and intellectual property contexts of the current Little River Band, and the bitter battle between founding and current members/company owners who own the band name trademark. Within the contemporary entertainment industries, it unpacks the concept of intentionality to examine a case study where the current band enterprise has arguably blurred histories, continuances, authorship and intent. Beyond its complex legal contexts and histories, the Little River Band case study is useful for raising other questions about cultural heritage and who has the right to speak ‘truth to cultural experience’ (Middleton 1990, 127).