Universal Music Group Takes Legal Action Against Guns N’ Roses Fan Who Allegedly Leaked Demo Tracks Online

Photo Credit: Matt Matasci

You can’t hand out roses without facing the guns when it comes to copyright. According to Consequence of Sound, Universal Music Group, who represents the iconic band Guns n’ Roses, has taken legal action against Rick Dunsford, “diehard” fan of the group who found himself in hot water when he allegedly leaked unreleased demos online of the group’s 2008 record Chinese Democracy recording sessions. The band was furious and banned Dunsford for life from any of the group’s shows. Well, it seems Dunsford’s troubles are not over as he is now facing legal charges.

The charges will likely stem from a breach of agreement that occurred when Dunsford, who had come in possession of the tracks via a warehouse auction from former GNR rep Tom Zutaut, allegedly agreed to sell them back to the band’s management for $15,000. According to Universal, Dunsford then decided to leak the tracks online shortly after. Dunsford for his part says that someone else leaked the tracks and that he was quick to let GNR management know.

Monetary damages are surely on the line, though their amount has not been released. Dunsford, who even named his son Axl, may find himself in a lengthy legal battle with his favorite band who is well-known for being quite protective of their material. Guns N’ Roses continue to carry right along, with a promise of a new record on the way and additional tour dates for their Not In This Lifetime Tour added in Europe and Latin America for 2020, there is nothing stopping the band now.

René Cobar: Rene Cobar is a writer and musician currently residing in Austin, TX. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing from New England College in Henniker, NH, Rene set out to pursue his passions and has lived in cities like New York and Las Vegas. After spending two years in an indie rock band, he learned to appreciate the sacrifices groups must make to stay together. Rene loves the marriage of literature and music, from the prose of Oscar Wilde to the guitar riffs of The Darkness, he calls them influences all the same.
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