April 27, 2009 20:19

MGMT settle dispute with French government

They also thank France for their 'wonderful food'

Photo Gallery: MGMT

MGMT have announced that they have settled their dispute with France's Union For A Popular Movement (UPM) party after it allegedly used their song 'Kids' without their permission.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's party has reportedly agreed to give the band a settlement fee, which MGMT intend to donate to an artists' rights organisation.

The band posted the following announcement on their website on Friday (April 24), titled "MGMT Waterloo with France fini!!". They wrote:

"About two months ago it was brought to our attention (through the MGMT message board) that the UMP French political party was using our song 'Kids' at rallies and posting videos of these rallies on their official website. Normally MGMT steers clear of mixing music and politics, but the fact that the UMP used our song without permission while simultaneously pushing anti-piracy legislation seemed a little wack.

"We believe that access to music benefits both the musicians and the fans, and has undoubtedly helped spread our music around the globe, while also expanding our personal musical collections. We didn't want to be "typical Americans" and sue, despite the amazing monetary benefit and chinchilla coats and Navigators it would bring. Instead we're using the settlement fee the UMP presented and donating it to artists rights organizations. Thank you France for the wonderful food. C'est bon. MGMT"

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn-based band have been working on the follow-up to their highly successful 2008 debut album 'Oracular Spectacular'.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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