Members of the Violent Femmes are reportedly in a disagreement over the use of the band's cult hit, "Blister in the Sun," in a 2007 Wendy's commercial.
The song's use was apparently not sanctioned by all the bandmembers, and is a major reason why the group has not gotten back together.
"I don't like having my sound misappropriated to sell harmful products, such as fast food," bassist Brian Ritchie told Spinner. "That's not why we made the music. It should not be hijacked."
Ritchie blames former bandmate and frontman Gordon Gano for selling Wendy's the rights to the track. The two have only recently started speaking with one another again and Ritchie insists that any chance of a reunion is a long way off.
"There are certainly some disputes that haven't been resolved," he said.
Ritchie even sued Gano over the ad, claiming that it wrecked the band's reputation as an underground, independent act.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.