It’s not uncommon for a band or singer to take legal action to stop a politician from using a song at rallies or in ads. It is unusual for a band to take action against a circus, but that’s just what the B52’s has done. The band has sent a cease-desist order to the Carson & Barnes Circus out of Oklahoma, demanding the stop using the song “(Meet) The Flintstones” and “The Bedrock Twitch” in the elephant act portion of the show. The B52’s also asked the circus to stop using elephants which they deem cruel.
So, the issue is twofold – the B52’s feel the use of elephants in circus acts is degrading and abusive to animals, and they’re not happy their songs are being used at all. Here are Kate and Cindy from the B52’s Video explaining their position in this case. The Carson & Barnes Circus has responded that they have never abused animals and respect the work PETA and their supporters have done. We’ll let you know how this legal battle turns out…