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.

"Truth in Music Advertising" Bill to Get House Hearing Mon.

A bill that would outlaw deceptive impersonation of bands and musicians in public performances is to be heard in a House committee Monday.

HB 1196 aims to prevent bands and musicians from impersonating other performers without telling their audience who they really are. It is aimed at situations where a performance artist or group plays another group's or artist's music and pretends to be the original creator or performer of the music.

The bill, if enacted, would result in Colorado joining 18 other states with similar laws. It would impose a $5,000 to $15,000 civil penalty on impostors that use deceptive tactics.

According to a report posted at Colorado Confidential, Riesberg got the idea from a constituent who went to what he thought was a performance of a famous band at the Greeley Civic Center. It turned out the band that played was pretending to be the famous band.