British alternative metal band Sleep Token has come under scrutiny following allegations that they used an unlicensed live photograph for official merchandise without the photographer’s consent. The photographer, Laura Ioana V, shared her claims on Instagram.
Photographer Laura Ioana V made a public claim on Instagram, stating: “This year I found out the photo I took in 2023 at Copenhell festival (on an editorial assignment for a magazine) was used for merch in 2024, without my permission. I have not signed any contract granting anyone the licensing rights to these photos.”
The photographer explained her attempts to contact the band: “I know a lot of you loved these photos and I am very grateful for the support, but now I need some help sharing this so I can get to management. I have sent emails myself and sent a lot of dms on socials as well but I haven’t been successful in establishing a communication line with the band directly.”
According to Laura Ioana V, the photo was taken of Sleep Token’s singer Vessel during the band’s performance at the Copenhell festival on June 15, 2023. An altered version of that photograph was allegedly sold as commemorative merchandise at the band’s November 10, 2024, Frankfurt show.
The photographer expressed frustration with the initial response: “I have only been in contact with one person who was involved with the coin, and I have been called aggressive for saying the settlement they offered was unfair and that it’s an unacceptable situation, so hoping to get to the band management directly.”
She further commented on the broader implications: “As a small creator it is a bit disheartening when you do something with passion and it gets stolen for profit and dismissed like this. Also, on top of that, it seems to not be an isolated case. Also, considering the amounts of copyright issues this band had with small creators (fanart, tattoo artists etc) it is probably worth creating some awareness on the irony of all of this.”
The photographer later updated her post, stating: “Edit: Management finally got in contact so let’s see what solution they will have to this.”
The allegation comes amid previous copyright disputes involving the band and third parties over image and copyright enforcement. Copyright and licensing for live concert photography can be legally complex, and similar cases involving bands and photographers have led to lawsuits in the past.
As of now, Sleep Token has not publicly responded to the allegations, and no legal filing has been reported in connection with this specific incident.
