"Bush" Takes Bush To Court Over Lost Sales

British rock band claims president's "crappy record" caused poor record sales

President Bush is now the second sitting president to be sued while still in office. This time the plaintiff is an angry rock band that has lost its earning capacity. Eight short years ago, the British rock band Bush was riding high on the music charts with their MTV hit "Everything Zen." Their faces adorned music magazines, and their concerts were sellouts.

Their next few albums continued to sell well but then came the election of 2000 which saw George W. Bush become President. Who would have guessed that the election would be the beginning of the end for the band.

"We released our album 'Golden State' and nobody bought it," said lead singer Gavin Rossdale. "Everyone thinks George Bush is an arse and no one wants to buy anything with the word 'Bush' emblazened across the front of it."

The band's fortunes seemed to change overnight. Instead of facing adoring fans on a nightly basis, they were greeted by angry fans holding up "Bush Sucks" signs. Some concerts were played to half full houses.

"Our fans have never been the brightest of the bunch," said Rossdale, "and many of them probably think we're related to President Bush. None of us is named Bush. In fact, none of us is even American."

The band tried to counteract the bad publicity it has had to absorb from having the President's name. In Denver, the marquee outside the auditorium read "Bush The Band." Unfortunately, the marquee confused many into thinking that Bush was opening for the 60's group, The Band, and the crowd became unruly after the confusion was clarified.

The lawsuit was the only option left for Bush the band.

"We didn't want to sue anyone," said Rossdale, "but we're losing our livelihood and our dignity. The other day a woman swatted me with her purse when I told her I was with Bush."

It has been suggested that the band simply change its name to something more politically correct, but Rossdale rejects that idea. "We've been Bush since 1994. He's only been President for 2 years. I think he should change his name."

The suit is a long way from being heard in a courtroom, with delays expected to extend beyond the 2004 elections. Meanwhile, Gavin Rossdale and the rest of Bush cope with the stress of having chosen a controversial name.

"Who would have thought that the name 'Bush' would get us into trouble?" asked Rossdale. "It all seemed pretty innocent eight years ago."

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