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Canadian band sues Harry Potter

Oct 4, 2005, 05:01 PM | by Michael Slezak

Categories: Harry Potter

Ready for Harry Potter and the Canadian Folk Act? Well, it could be coming to a courthouse near you, if a Winnipeg band called the Wyrd Sisters have their way. The 15-year-old, Juno-nominated folk group is suing Warner Bros., the studio behind the upcoming Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, because that film reportedly features a musical act of the same name.

In the book, there is a popular band called the Weird Sisters (note the different spelling), but a Warner Bros. spokesperson says the musical act in the film isn't identified, although, FYI, look for Pulp's Jarvis Cocker and Johnny Greenwood and Phil Selway of Radiohead among the movie band's members.

The Wyrd Sisters want the filmmakers to change the band's name, or help them in establishing a new identity, and seeks to block Canadian distribution of the film until the case is settled, according to a story in Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper.

So what do you think? Do the Wyrd Sisters have a legitimate gripe, or are they just riding the Harry Potter bandwagon to wider recognition?


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Iain Mon, Apr 21, 2008 at 09:51 PM EST

As I recall a fella name 'o' Macbeth first ran in to the weird/wyrd sisters in the play of the same name by a cat called Will Shakespeare before Rowling, Baryluk or even the magnificent Pratchet were twinkles in anybodies eye!

Sarah Fri, Nov 10, 2006 at 01:16 PM EST

they must be stupid to think that they can sue one of the best sellers out there..like are the retarded warner bros i'm behind u all the way

Jason Wed, Jan 4, 2006 at 04:13 PM EST

Didn't we first hear of the Wyrd Sisters all the way back in Prisoner of Azkaban, when Harry stayed in Diagon Alley after blowing up Aunt Marge? I remember him listening to them on the wizard radio, on WNN, I believe! Or could that have been earlier?

Mary Fri, Nov 18, 2005 at 12:54 PM EST

That group just wants attention because Harry Potter movies and books have it all. They should be grateful that their names are even on those books. I mean, why didn't they sue when the books came out and why make it such a big deal now? Losers!

Tania Thu, Nov 10, 2005 at 10:03 AM EST

This is flat out dumb. If it were that big of the deal they should have said something when the Wierd Sisters came up in the books. If they think they're going to beat Harry Potter- they've lost their minds!

Carrie Sat, Nov 5, 2005 at 07:18 PM EST

Are you kidding me? They are totally riding the Potter bandwagon. I guess somebodys public assistance has stopped and this is their only way of making money now. They are only trying to make them selves more known. Well if it didnt happen then, the only reason its happening now, is because it has got Potter attached to it. Tell them to go crawl back into the hole they came out of. I hope their band never makes another dime and all of their songs flop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Linda Sat, Nov 5, 2005 at 02:08 AM EST

This has got to be one of the most selfish, ridiculous, and completely idiotic schemes atttempted, by a talentless group of morons, to extort money from the genius created by others. May the "Wyrd Sisters" simply rot in the bargain bins of the world. Despicable behavior...

Disgusted Fri, Nov 4, 2005 at 09:39 PM EST

Don't be shy, let them know.

http://www.mts.net/~wyrds1/contact.html

Vanessa Mon, Oct 31, 2005 at 12:37 AM EST

The Weird Sisters in the book Goblet of Fire is an 8 member all MALE band that plays instrumental music.

The Wyrd Sisters of Canada is a 3 member all FEMALE band that plays folk music.

How anyone can get the two mixed up just because they have similar names is beyond me.

They say this is about fairness, but surely if that's all it's about they could sue for fairness without the need to sue for over $40 million?

kms Fri, Oct 7, 2005 at 08:29 PM EST

Kim Baryluk is a legend in her own mind. She should change her dead beat band to the "Washed Up Sister". What have they played 2 shows this year. I used to enjoy this band but I can't stand to listen to her go on and on about fairy dust and being spiritual and caring about others. Is it true she married her therapist. That's so disgusting and unethical. Maye she should sue her therapist for her mentalness.

Erin Wed, Oct 5, 2005 at 03:16 PM EST

The reason that the band name isn't mentioned in the film is because its not the Weird Sisters. Unless they plan to dress up the men as women, it was an all-girl band afterall.

Erica Wed, Oct 5, 2005 at 03:09 PM EST

Honestly... I've watched the Junos a few times and read the awards trivia and stuff, and I've never heard of the Wyrd Sisters. I don't think they have a case. Plus, as someone else mentioned, the book's been out for a while - why wait for the movie to sue? While you're at it, sue Shakespeare, why doncha?

blah Wed, Oct 5, 2005 at 02:29 PM EST

If I lived in Canada and I didn't get to see the HP movie because it was caught up in a frivolous legal battle, I would go out of my way to make sure that band never saw a dime from me and as many people that I could influence. People that do this kind of thing are just so stupid.

Thom Wed, Oct 5, 2005 at 01:32 PM EST

it is just another case of somebody trying to mess with stuff that will have no affect on their lives. apparently their band must not be doing well if you feel the need to sue Rowling and WB. Knock it off and get on with your life. This is so uch like suing McDonalds when you spill the coffe on yourself.

Jeff Wed, Oct 5, 2005 at 09:13 AM EST

I'd love to see them try and sue Rowling, she has more money than God.

V.M.L. Tue, Oct 4, 2005 at 10:17 PM EST

That's stupid. They should might as well change their band name instead of changing a book. If they change the name of the band in their book, alot of people will not like that. There's probably more Harry Potter fans than Wyrd Sisters fans.

Michelle Tue, Oct 4, 2005 at 08:36 PM EST

Well, The Wyrd Sisters should just go ahead and sue JK Rowling, she is the one who created the Weird Sisters. And the Wyrd Sisters weren't complaining about their name when they performed on July 16 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for The Half Blood Prince relaese party!

Ron Mwangaguhunga Tue, Oct 4, 2005 at 07:33 PM EST

shouldn't they be suing Shakespeare's estate? Weren't the witches in MacBeth the "Wyrd Sisters" or did I totally waste $60 large on a liberal arts degree?

Jamie Tue, Oct 4, 2005 at 06:43 PM EST

If these musicians had a legitimate gripe, they would have sued several years ago when the books hit shelves.

Jon Tue, Oct 4, 2005 at 06:36 PM EST

Why not go the whole nine yards and sue Terry Pratchet for his Wyrd Sisters book, which is part of his Discworld series. Maybe thats where their band name came from. :)


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