Pepe Willberg and Heikki “Hector” Harma didn’t know in advance about Warner Music’s idea to bring the name Masters in the Arena back. Now the use of the name feels like exploitation of original musicians and even grave robbery, writes Helsingin Sanomat.
Helsingin sanomat newspaper reported earlier this week how members of the Masters in the Arena line-up, who had influenced the turn of the 21st century, were shocked to hear the name return to use and as the new masters take the stage.
The new Masters in the Arena line-up includes Ellinoora, Kaija Koon, Vesalan and Jenni Vartiainen. The original line-up included Heikki “Hector” Harma, Pepe Willberg and the already deceased Kirka and Pave Maijanen.
Helsingin Sanomat tells how the artist duo finds the case particularly offensive because of the deceased members.
“From that point of view, it’s some kind of grave robbery, too,” Willberg commented.
In their interview, the musicians feel how reusing the name is an insult to the original fans as well. They have, in their own words, received outrageous comments about how the name has been introduced under completely different names.
“This is a shameful insult to the audience at the time,” Hector commented.
Willberg has also been shocked by the case.
– That trick has taken the mold out of my mouth. I can’t even say anything. It’s so insane, he commented.
Appeal to morality
Both artists emphasize that they have nothing against the artists performing in the new line-up.
– That’s why it feels so bad to think about whether these great artists are in the sense that we have given our support to this project. Has anyone told them that we have not been in any contact, Hector adds.
Warner Music did not break the law in the case, as the Masters Arena was not a registered trademark, although it was apparently attempted to patent it at the turn of the millennium.
However, male artists appeal to morality.
– Morally, this is more than questionable. Take it really hard to do that. It’s obvious that Masters has been our thing, and now it’s being re-introduced without asking us and only replacing new artists. It says something about the culture of today’s music business, Hector tells HS.
Source: Helsingin sanomat newspaper