Crush 40’s Johnny Gioeli Sues SEGA Over Uncompensated Uses of ‘Live and Learn’ Since Sonic Adventure 2

Crush 40’s iconic anthem “Live and Learn” is at the center of a high-profile legal dispute between vocalist Johnny Gioeli and video game giant SEGA.

The lawsuit, filed in the District Court of Southern California earlier this month, alleges that SEGA exceeded the terms of its original agreement in using the song beyond its initial debut in Sonic Adventure 2 for the SEGA Dreamcast in 2001.

As one of the most memorable tracks associated with Sonic the Hedgehog, “Live and Learn” has since echoed across various entries in the franchise, as well as other video game series, including Nintendo’s celebrated Super Smash Bros. Sonic Adventure 2 marked a pivotal moment in SEGA’s history and remains a fan favorite, especially due to its energetic soundtrack created by Crush 40.

Vocalist Johnny Gioeli contends that the agreement with SEGA specifically authorized the use of “Live and Learn” exclusively in Sonic Adventure 2 for Dreamcast.

In his legal complaint, Gioeli states that the song’s multiple subsequent appearances in Sonic titles and other products, such as stages and soundtracks in Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros.

series, were never part of the original arrangement. Speaking through legal filings, Gioeli maintains that he is the sole composer, performer, and producer of “Live and Learn.” While web reports have highlighted some ambiguity—particularly regarding whether Gioeli composed the track independently or in collaboration with SEGA composer Jun Senoue—the precise story will be established through court proceedings.

Regardless of collaboration specifics, Gioeli’s lawsuit seeks significant financial restitution, demanding $500,000 for each instance in which the song was used without proper compensation since Sonic Adventure 2. Gioeli’s legal argument hinges on the assertion that, while SEGA may hold joint rights to the lyrics of “Live and Learn,” exclusive ownership and creative control of the original recorded version resides with him.

His legal team is asking the court to formally clarify the respective rights and establish official ownership of both the lyrics and the recording itself. This litigation arrives as SEGA continues to celebrate Sonic’s multi-generational legacy, including several high-profile collaborations with Nintendo on consoles like the Nintendo Switch, via the eShop and crossover hits.

The outcome of the lawsuit may influence how music licensing agreements with external artists are handled in the industry moving forward. Fans and industry observers are watching closely, as the resolution could have far-reaching implications for both legacy music in gaming and future Sonic the Hedgehog releases on platforms like Nintendo Switch and beyond.

Nintendo and SEGA have yet to comment on the lawsuit. For ongoing updates about this developing story and other Nintendo-related news, stay tuned.

SEGA Dreamcast Sonic Adventure Sonic Johnny Gioeli Crush 40 Sonic Adventure 2 Live and Learn Adventure Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Jun Senoue Southern California District Court