Truth in Music Bill Gets Committee Nod

A bill that would ban public performances that impersonate musicians or their bands unless a member of the original group is included passed a House committee Monday.

HB 1196, sponsored by Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Fort Collins, got a boost from Sha-Na-Na singer Jon "Bowzer" Bauman, 60. Bauman, who was the lead singer of the famous group that paid tribute to the rock legends of the 50s and early 60s between 1969-1983, told the committee that impostor bands are stealing the identity and livelihood of music legends.

"This is a sophisticated form of identity theft that dupes consumers," Bauman told committee members.

The bill was endorsed unanimously and now heads to the House floor.

Bauman published an editorial column in the Los Angeles Times outlining his views as to why bands that pretend to be others should be outlawed. He has testified before the legislatures of several states on this issue and at least 18 states have passed some version of the "truth in music" proposal.