New Wave Nigel is a plastic toy figurine distributed with McDonald's Happy Meals in 2008 as part of an American Idol-themed promotion. The figurine sports an "energy dome," a hat made famous by the 1970s and 1980s band, Devo. Devo's Gerald Casale has claimed the energy dome is trademarked, and claims the band is suing McDonald's.Stuff.co.nz: McDonald's Sued over Happy Meal Toy (June 13, 2008)
Devo is...
- Mark Mothersbaugh - Synthesizer, Guitar, Vocals
- Bob Mothersbaugh - Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards
- Gerald Casale - Bass Guitar, Bass Synthesizer, Vocals
- Bob Casale - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
- Alan Myers - Drums, Electronic Percussion
New Wave Nigel's Devo-ness
Casale claims that not only is the "energy dome" trademarked, but that when a button is pressed on the side of the figurine, it plays a "Devo-esque" song. Casale points out that Devo's is "doubly offended" because the band's message is severely at odds with the mass-marketing campaigns of American Idol and McDonald's.Stuff.co.nz: McDonald's Sued over Happy Meal Toy (June 13, 2008)