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

• VGMPF Wiki: Tommy Tallarico
• SmashJT: Tommy Tallarico CAUGHT Selling STOLEN Music
• Hbomberguy video (2022)

Keywords: #Tommy #Tallarico