What Critics Have Said About "They Fought the Law"

"They Fought the Law: Rock Music Goes to Court" could be a book of scripts for a music industry version of Law & Order." (Dave McElfresh, Phoenix New Times)

"[A] fascinating journey through the courtrooms and back rooms of the music industry." (The National Law Journal)

"The old LA. Law [TV] series could revive itself for a whole season just by using the case fodder from entertainment attorney Stan Soocher's new book . . . " (Gail Meadows, The Miami Herald)

"[N]ot only ably translates the legalese but makes both the plaintiffs and defendants engrossingly human." (Alanna Nash, Entertainment Weekly)

"[C]lear-minded, intricately-detailed . . . in challenging yet accessible prose. On a par with record biz exposes such as Hit Men and The Mansion On The Hill . . ." (Richard Martin, CMJ New Music Monthly)

"[A]n enlightening and entertaining read that paints a realistic picture of the music industry's dirty little secrets when it comes to business deals." (Songwriter's Monthly)

"[L]egal decisions reached in the cases Soocher analyzes may figure prominently in the evolution of entertainment law. Great stuff for very serious, business-like rockers." (Mike Tribby, Booklist)

"A powerful study that should enlighten anyone who thinks show biz is any easy ride." (Jeff Tamarkin, Discoveries)

"The book is well written and, equally important in light of [its] diversity and detail of the subject matter, thoughtfully structured. . . . The resulting journey, carefully mapped out, is rich both in nostalgia and fresh perspectives. It is a journey well worth taking." (Howard Siegel, The New York Law Journal)

''Here, rock critic and attorney Soocher profiles some of the industry's most seminal--and flamboyant--courtroom battles. In pithy detail, he revisits the bitter disputes that artists such as the Beatles, the Shirelles and George Michael have had with their record labels; the dramatic trial in which the heavy metal band Judas Priest was accused of inciting two teens to commit suicide; and the landmark Supreme Court case involving the First Amendment rights of the rap group 2 Live Crew. What emerges is a cautionary tale about the uneasy intersection between art and commerce in which musicians who lack business savvy are ripe for exploitation. More noteworthy is Soocher's exploration of the ways legal wranglings can have an impact on an artist's creative output, often permanently altering the dynamics of the artist/record industry relationship. . . . Soocher's account of the financial and legal pitfalls into which an unsuspecting musician can stumble is an eye-opening reminder that where there is money to be made, lawsuits are sure to follow.'' (Publishers Weekly)

"Veteran music journalist turned lawyer Stan Soocher has penned a fascinating account of some of popular music's most famous court cases . . . The tome features juicy details of such high-profile cases as Elvis Presley's estate vs. Colonel Parker, the Beatles vs. Capitol Records, George Harrison vs. ex-manager Denis O'Brien, the lawsuits against Judas Priest and Ozzy Osbourne over fans committing suicide after listening to their music, 2 Live Crew's obscenity battles and other actions involving George Michael, the Shirelles and Billy Joel.'' (Roy Trakin, HITS Magazine)

''Anyone doubting that the music industry can be a treacherous place for artists will have their worst fears confirmed by this book. Like 'Hit Men' and 'The Mansion on the Hill,' Soocher's book details the sordid side of the biz, a side that oozes with dishonesty, chicanery, and, in some cases, outright fraud. Baby bands, unsigned acts, and budding musicians of all genres would do well to read this book and learn from the mistakes of their more famous predecessors. . . . [T]he book is written in a style that won't alienate or confuse non-lawyer types. In some cases, basic legal concepts are explained in a manner that anyone can understand. . . . [R]equired reading for all new artists before they sign their first contract.'' (Michael Villano, Billboard)

"Soocher goes inside the courtroom for a bird's-eye view . . . While detailing the legal and political maneuverings of both sides, Soocher is also a skilled observer of events outside the courtroom. Readable for non lawyers and recommended for public libraries; academic and law school collections should have an interested constituency as well." (David M. Turkalo, Library Journal)

"The book is a funny, informative and grim chronicle of musicians whose hardest performance was in court." (Trent Fitzgerald, Midwest Beat)

"Soocher shows well how recording artists have grown more sophisticated in controlling their futures." (Harriet Chiang, San Francisco Chronicle)