November 15, 2007 19:45

Band of Horses reject charge of selling out

Ben Bridwell vetoes Wal-Mart deal

Band Of Horses, who found themselves the target of online scorn earlier this year after licensing their song ‘The Funeral’ to Wal-Mart for use in a commercial, have had second thoughts and backed out of the deal.

Lead singer Ben Bridwell, in an interview with a Fargo, ND newspaper, gave his thoughts on the brouhaha. “I called my family, talked to my girlfriend about it, talked to the guys in the band and decided it’s no big deal,” he told The Fargo-Moorhead Forum. “But at the same time, I was reluctant to do it in the back of my mind, and some fans reminded me there is a reason to feel that way about it. So once I saw our fans were let down by it, I nixed the TV commercial, and said, ‘You know what, this isn’t for me. Keep your money.’”

In previous interviews, Bridwell has reacted to the uproar with mild indignation, claiming that television licensing is a good way for bands to get their music heard. Tracks from the band’s new album, ‘Cease to Begin,’ have been licensed to such companies as Ford, and fan reaction to those commercials has been more muted.

Band of Horses appear in Fargo tonight as part of an ongoing North American tour. The band heads to Europe in February and March.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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