Band Behind Massive 101 Freeway Jam Must Pay Department Of Transportation $39K

[zappaman]

Three members of the self-described "hard-core hip hop band" that caused a nightmarish traffic jam on the 101 Freeway in 2010 were ordered to pay the California Department of Transportation over $39,000 Monday, prompting the question: Was your publicity stunt worth it, gentlemen?

The Imperial Stars drove a large truck onto the 101 on the morning of October 12, 2010, with a mission to stop traffic and rock out. And that they did. The trio brought the vehicle to a halt across three of the four freeway lanes near Sunset Boulevard, climbed atop the truck and performed their appropriately titled song "Traffic Jam 101." The freeway was stopped in all lanes but the number four lane for at least a mile, and the Orange County-based band was subsequently arrested.

Although the band said in the days following the stunt, "We would probably do it again," their penalties may now have them singing a different tune. Christopher Roy Wright, 34; David Paul Hale, 32; and Keith R. Yackey, 33; pleaded no contest in October 2012 to one felony count of conspiracy, one misdemeanor count of public nuisance and two misdemeanor counts of resisting, obstructing or delaying law enforcement officers and were sentenced to three years probation and 35 days of community labor.

Judge Norm Shapiro issued the trio to pay $39,350.39 to the DOT today during a restitution hearing, according to City News Service. Shapiro is also expected to consider reducing the felony charge to a misdemeanor charge 18 months after the October 2012 sentencing date.

Click on the link to see the awful music video from these douchebags:
http://laist.com/2013/06/03/imperial_stars_ordered_to_pay_39k.php

[Kali]

1. that is actually kind of interesting

[zappaman]

3. I know!

That's because it's actual news and not just the mutterings of someone with a police scanner and too much time on their hands...

[Ian David]

2. Since the law doesn't apply to them, I should just download their songs illegally.

Edited to add:

OMG, that's so awful, it's not even worth stealing.

And I have "Friday" by Rebecca Black on my iPod.

[zappaman]

4. Have you heard them?

I really wouldn't do that if I were you...

[Ian David]

5. You're right. I'd rather save that hard drive space for more porn. n/t

[SomethingFishy]

7. Hehe.. I miss Ethan.

[smokey nj]

6. The Onion predicted this would happen.

Department Of Transportation Announces New Highway Concert Series

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Transportation announced plans Wednesday to stage Traffic Jam 2013, a brand-new highway concert series that will feature popular musical acts performing for passing motorists on America’s shoulder lanes, median dividers, and overpasses.

Saying the year-round outdoor events were designed to attract music lovers of all ages to the country’s interstate highway system, department heads confirmed that more than 90 artists have already signed on, with top-drawer headliners such as Jay-Z, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avicii, and Bon Iver set to play across the nation on more than 200 major U.S. roadways.

“Our goal was to put together exciting lineups that would encourage Americans to drive up the on-ramp of their nearest interstate, roll down the windows, and enjoy some live music as they travel,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “Whether you want to hear Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre rock the mic on a Long Beach frontage road or a rousing program from the Boston Symphony Orchestra across six lanes of I-90, we have something for everyone.”

“And tickets to get onto the highways start at just $55,” LaHood continued. “The driver of each vehicle must be 16 in most states, but otherwise these are all-ages events.”

http://www.theonion.com/articles/department-of-transportation-announces-new-highway,30619/

[zappaman]

10. !!!

[jberryhill]

8. More than $39K worth of publicity

Okay, so, you mean it is cheaper to rent the 101 than the Hollywood Bowl as a venue?

[Earth_First]

9. Indeed.

I'd be willing to bet that this is 'taken care of' by the wnd of the week...