Imposter band bill strikes a chord in Olympia

OLYMPIA – Gretchen Christopher is not only an authentic artist, but she has also received numerous emails from fans who felt they have been ripped off. Fans who went to concerts expecting to see The Fleetwoods, only to see other singers singing the Fleetwood’s songs.

That’s why Christopher, an original member of The Fleetwoods - the first Washington musical group to have a number one record - is testifying in support of Senate Bill 6577, sponsored by Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island.

“I come at it from a consumer’s perspective,” Weinstein said. “People who buy a ticket to see The Coasters or The Drifters or anybody else should get to see the real deal — not an imposter band.”

Under SB 6577 a band can use an original act’s name only if it includes at least one member of the group that released a recoding under that name; the performers own the rights to the name; the performers have permission from the group to use the name; the performers are performing as a tribute band; or, if the performance is taking place outside of Washington.

18 states have enacted similar measures.

SB 6577 will be heard in the Senate Consumer Protection & Housing Committee, Feb. 1 at 8:30 a.m. in Senate Hearing Room 3 of the John A. Cherberg Building in Olympia.

Return to Sen. Weinstein's home page