Tommy Tallarico — Investigation
Status: Confirmed plagiarist. Multiple documented cases of credit theft and misattribution.
Documented Cases
Earthworm Jim 1 & 2 (Tony Bernetich)
- Claim: Tommy Tallarico took credit for composing Earthworm Jim 1 and 2.
- Reality: Tony Bernetich created multiple tracks for Earthworm Jim 1 and almost every track for Earthworm Jim 2.
- Additional: Tallarico reused MIDI files from the internet (e.g. Edward Grant's 1989 Moonlight Sonata transcriptions) with minor edits (speed changes).
- Source: Tony Bernetich, blog post
Video Games Live (Laura Intravia)
- Claim: Laura Intravia created the Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley for VGL.
- Reality: Her compositions were distributed to orchestras without consent; flute solo transcribed by ear without authorization.
- Source: Laura Intravia public statements.
False Filmography (hbomberguy, 2022)
- Multiple games falsely claimed in Tallarico's discography.
- Original artists who confirmed their work was attributed to Tallarico: Todd Dennis, Keith Arem, Joey Kuras.
- VGMPF and preservation community have corrected attributions.
Video Games Live Sheet Music
- Allegations of selling stolen arrangements; orchestras informed of dispute but continued performing.
Other Uncredited / Misattributed Collaborators (hbomberguy)
- Todd Dennis — Original artist; confirmed work attributed to Tallarico.
- Keith Arem — Original artist; confirmed work attributed to Tallarico.
- Joey Kuras — Original artist; confirmed work attributed to Tallarico.
- Action: Investigate each; which games/tracks; extent of misattribution.
Pattern
- Takes credit for others' work.
- Reuses pre-existing material (internet MIDI) without proper attribution.
- Markets and sells arrangements without rights.
- Public persona built on inflated/false credits.
Open Questions
- Full list of misattributed works?
- Other uncredited collaborators?
- Connection to broader "controlled personality" thesis?
Sources
