Beatles, Elvis shop owners work it out

10/23/2007 1:00 PM, AP


They worked it out. Months after the owner of an Elvis Shop in London took the owner of a Beatles shop to court, the two parties settled their troubles without a trial Tuesday.

Both Sid Shaw, who owns Elvisly Yours, and Howard Cohen, who owns The London Beatles Shop next door, said they were pleased.

"All you need is love, man," Cohen said, quoting John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

The dispute arose over a basement beneath Shaw's Elvis memorabilia shop. Shaw and Cohen have shared the lease at 231-233 Baker St. since opening their shops in 2000. Last year, Shaw drew up a contract that allowed Cohen to use the basement of his shop for a Beatles museum, but Shaw charged Cohen broke the agreement.

Shaw wanted him to move the museum. Cohen wouldn't go.

Shaw claimed he needed the basement to organize Elvis karaoke bus tours. He expected a rush of customers for the August anniversary of the King's death, and sought damages for lost income.

Cohen countered that Shaw hadn't paid his share of the rent on the shared lease.

The two planned to go to court Tuesday. Shaw in particular seemed ready for a fight, issuing a statement saying Cohen "ain't nothing but a hounddog and he ain't no friend of mine." He secured an Elvis impersonator as a witness.

But County Court Judge Paul Collins recommended that their lawyers mediate the matter, and two hours later a deal was struck, complete with a confidentiality clause.

"Yes, we can work it out," Cohen said. "Peace and love descends on Baker Street again."