“We Can’t Make New Music,” Says Beastie Boys’ Mike D

June 2nd, 2014

Kyle Florence

Since the passing of Adam “MCA” Yaunch back in 2012, the future of The Beastie Boys had been questionable at best. However, it now seems written in stone.

“We have not been able to tour since “MCA,” Adam Yaunch, died,” said founding member Michael “Mike D” Diamond last week as he represented the group during their current copyright infringement suit against Monster Energy Drink. “We can’t make new music.”

As disheartening as this news may be, it should not come as a shock to longtime followers of the trio. Since Yaunch lost his near three-year battle with cancer, both Diamond and fellow emcee Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz have been, for the most part, inactive musically, barring the occasional cameo or remix.

Presently, the outfit’s feud with Monster Energy Drink, who allegedly used multiple Beastie Boys tracks on a promotional YouTube video, is ongoing. The prosecution is seeking over $2 million in damages per a no-advertising clause in Yaunch’s will, which specifically states, “in no event may my image or name or any music or any artistic property created by me be used for advertising purposes.”

We’ll keep you up to date as things progress, but in the meantime, reminisce on simpler times below.