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My sincerest apologies for YouTube's regrettable decision to delete my Bruddah IZ memorial tribute video.

The copyright to the song Over The Rainbow is owned by Rhino Records, whose parent company is Warner Music Group. I was unaware of this and always understood that Over The Rainbow -- because it exceeded the 40-year limit on music copyrights -- was now in the public domain and copyright free. Apparently, I was mistaken.

Also, a deal between YouTube and WMG that had once permitted YouTube video creators to use WMG music license free fell through in December. Consequently, YouTube is deleting all videos containing WMG licensed content, including my memorial tribute.

My video was created purely with heartfelt good intentions. I have not received one penny for it and always credited those I felt deserved credit. In the nearly 2 years since it was posted, it received an astounding 3.8 million hits worldwide and was overwhelmingly appreciated for the way in which it paid homage to the late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Judging by the more than 4,600 comments it has generated, my video touched the hearts of millions of viewers who, in many instances, were moved to tears as they reflected on their own personal losses.

I suspect it will be only a matter of time before my mashup video featuring Bruddah IZ and Jason Castro performing Over The Rainbow will also be deleted.

Unfortunately, as a faceless corporate entity, Warner Music Group failed to appreciate the devotion of millions of Bruddah IZ fans the world over or the good intentions that motivated me to produce this memorial tribute. I am at present appealing to WMG's good nature in the sincere hope that it will reconsider its decision and make an exception in this instance.

Tom Barry
VidBrats