Song remains the same - the hair too

By ALAN PERROTT

The Texas band tangled up in the budding career of NZ Idol runner-up Michael Murphy have asked their lawyer to figure out how the lead singer's hairstyle, as well as their song, popped up Downunder.

Vallejo co-wrote Murphy's first single, So Damn Beautiful, which has already gone gold since being released last week.

Murphy has expressed pride in his first single being an original composition, although he did not write it himself.

Vallejo publicist Lisa Fawcett said they were surprised to hear Murphy's claim, shocked about not getting a writing credit, and gobsmacked after seeing pictures of the Taupo rocker with a hairstyle once worn by their lead singer, AJ Vallejo.

Murphy's bright splash of red on his fringe was created by NZ Idol stylists midway through the series.

AJ Vallejo can be seen wearing the same hairstyle on the band's website.

Fans of the song and the dye-job have been avidly discussing the situation on the Vallejo website and the unofficial NZ Idol site,
He has said that now the song's history is clear, the Texans will be paid their due royalties.

As for Murphy's hairstyle, Mr Ellis has reportedly dismissed suggestions that it was copied and suggested the Vallejo pictures had been digitally altered.