Happy Meal Toys Not Making Rock Band Devo Happy
"I make little kids happy and big kids mad." -New Wave Nigel
The iconic "energy dome" made famous by New Wave band Devo in its "Whip It" music video and various stage performances is a look you want to steal so badly, but take lessons from McDonald's—don't. As part of an American Idol–themed line of Happy Meal toys, McDonald's introduced New Wave Nigel. He may look so 1980s mod in his orange jumpsuit, fuchsia shades, and energy dome, but this Devo-ian imitation is not flattering the band, which is now suing the the chain.
"Plus, we don't like McDonald's," bassist Gerald Casale told Australian Associated Press. Casale designed the upside-down flower-pot hat, which is both copyrighted and trademarked. Watch the original "Whip It" video, full of New Wave Nigel predecessors, after the jump. [Via Metafilter]
Devo's 'Whip It' Music Video
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5 Comments:
Good for them. I hope they take McD's to the cleaners.
simon at 4:36PM on 06/27/08
Its hard to show damages, especially in a trademark case. At best they'll be able o stop the production of those toys, unless those toys dilute the strength of devo's mark. Not very likely, but who knoed. They'll probably be a collecters item soon.
ChiefHDB at 12:16AM on 06/28/08
Go Devo!! Whip it-- whip it good!!!
finsbigfan at 9:05AM on 06/28/08
Not surprising at all..."Devo" is named for "their concept of 'de-evolution' - the idea that instead of evolving, mankind has actually regressed, as evidenced by the dysfunction and herd mentality of American society." IMHO, what McD thrives in.
Cassaendra at 8:37PM on 06/28/08
...and don't get me started on American Idol.
Cassaendra at 8:37PM on 06/28/08