A recent report written for Yahoo stated that with the NFL lockout in full swing, John Elway must really be bored. Somehow Elway — the Denver Broncos vice president and Hall-of-Fame quarterback — became aware of the Fort Collins, Colo., punk band “Elway,” and decided he’s just not cool with the group using his surname. The Broncos legend’s lawyer has requested that the band change its name, but stopped short of suing or issuing a cease and desist order. The band, to its credit, was mostly amused. In a statement released via punknews.org, the band acknowledged the letter and suggested Elway had better things to do in the wake of the Broncos’ disastrous 2010 season.
“We have no intention of changing the name again. We love the name, regardless of what connotations are inferred by the listener. Surely, if the Dead Kennedys could become one of punk’s most popular bands without incurring litigation, Elway can keep their moniker and continue making so-so music for our dozens of fans to enjoy.” ~Elway
That’s funny stuff! Score a point for Elway — the band, that is. And now the group has now received more press than it ever would have had Elway minded his own business. This is also a marketing lesson, John. Never, ever, pick a fight with someone small and insignificant because when you do that you raise them to your level and it never turns out the way you want it to.
There have to be quite a few people perusing the band’s MySpace site, rocking out to songs like “Wolf Shirt,” but, I have to add that I’m not a punk rock fan so it could be a great song but I don’t see it.
Anyway, it’s better than anything Elway or his team have produced in the last year. Maybe he’s jealous.
Arrowsmith Staff
