Sonic Adventure 2's 'Live & Learn' Lawsuit Against Sega Dismissed, Leaving Song Ownership Unresolved

The iconic theme song 'Live & Learn,' beloved by fans of Sonic Adventure 2, has become the center of a prolonged legal dispute between Crush 40 vocalist Johnny Gioeli and Japanese gaming giant Sega.

After nearly a year of legal proceedings, Gioeli announced on September 22, 2025, that his lawsuit against Sega has been dismissed, leaving the song's ownership status unresolved and the rights in a state of uncertainty.

Sonic Adventure 2, first released in 2001 for the Sega Dreamcast and later ported to platforms like Nintendo GameCube and the modern eShop, introduced 'Live & Learn' as its climactic theme.

The song quickly gained a cult following, often featured at Sonic events and in multiple Sega titles since its debut.

However, disputes arose when Gioeli, who performed the vocals with Crush 40 alongside long-time series composer Jun Senoue, argued that Sega had used the track extensively beyond its original context. In December 2024, Gioeli filed suit, claiming Sega's contract with him did not grant unlimited use of 'Live & Learn.' According to his allegations, he assertively maintained that he had written, recorded, and produced the track independently in his own studio, and retained full control over the master recording.

While recognizing Jun Senoue's involvement in the composition, Gioeli argued Sega's rights pertained only to the lyrics, not the entire song. The lawsuit accused Sega of using 'Live & Learn' across over 25 video games, in various media such as television and live performances, without his authorization.

Gioeli sought both financial compensation and legal clarification on the rights to the theme song. Upon the case's dismissal, Gioeli took to social media platform X to clarify that the decision was based on timing, not a conclusive determination of ownership.

Reworded in his own words, he stated, "The song's rights remain unresolved, even as recent agreements for its use—such as a potential deal with Epic Games—had Sega directing permission requests to me." Gioeli highlighted the continued ambiguity by noting, "The most epic song remains in the abyss of ownership." While rumors have circulated about a possible Sonic the Hedgehog crossover in Fortnite, neither Sega nor Epic Games has issued any official statement regarding these developments.

Gioeli reaffirmed his creative contributions to 'Live & Learn,' emphasizing, "I co-wrote and performed the song in my studio, and I stand by my role as its primary creator." He concluded his public statement with thanks to the fan community, stating, "We all move forward in love and music." As of this publication, neither Sega nor Epic Games has provided further comment.

The case leaves the future of 'Live & Learn' uncertain for potential appearances in games—such as any future Nintendo Switch ports or Fortnite collaborations—and underscores ongoing challenges faced by musicians and rights holders in the video game industry. Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Sega Sonic Adventure Sonic Sonic Adventure 2 Adventure Live & Learn Crush 40 Johnny Gioeli Epic Games Fortnite Jun Senoue GamesIndustry.biz