Beastie Boy Adam Yauch’s Will Forbids Use of His Music in Ads

The advertising industry is known for using music to its advantage, but Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch has prohibited the use of his creative material in such a way. The will of the Beastie Boys member – who passed away on May 4 of cancer – was filed earlier this week (on Aug. 7) in the Manhattan Surrogate Court, and it conveys his firm wishes on the matter.

Rolling Stone acquired a copy of Yauch’s will, which states, “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event may my image or name or any music or any artistic property created by me be used for advertising purposes,” followed by a handwritten addition of the words “or any music or any artistic property created by me.”

Furthermore, Yauch’s will declares that the executor of his estate is his wife, Dechen, and that $6.4 million has been left to her and their teenage daughter, Tenzin Losel.

On Aug. 4, fans honored Yauch on the eve of his birthday in his hometown by hosting a Beastie Boys-themed party and a walking tour throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, N.Y. The New York Senate also named May 4 ‘MCA Day’ to commemorate the loss of the beloved musician.