Beastie Boys win $1.7million lawsuit against Monster Energy drinks

The two surviving members of Beastie Boys have won a massive $1.7million lawsuit against Monster Beverage Corps, after the energy drinks company used their tracks without permission. 

The copyright suit closed yesterday (Thursday 5 June), after a jury ruled in favour of the rap icons. 

The eight-day trial was based around a video by Monster from 2012 in which a Beastie Boys mix of their iconic tracks 'Sabotage',  'Pass the Mic', 'Make Some Noise', 'So What'cha Want', and 'Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun' was used to promote a snowboarding competition - before the words 'RIP MCA' flashed up on the screen.

This was said to be done without the band's permission, and caused extra offence as the late Adam 'MCA' Yauch stated in his will that his likeness, art, and music was not to be used for advertising purposes. When asked if Monster sought permision, the band replied 'absolutely no'. 

However, Reuters reports that during the trial, Beastie Boys member Mike D announced the end of the band, saying that they promised the late MCA they would not make any new music after he passed away.

"We have not been able to tour since MCA, Adam Yauch, died," said Mike D. "We can't make new music."

May their legacy remain untarnished. RIP MCA.