THE DRIFTERS have reached an out-of-court settlement with a band who were posing under the same name.

The vocals group, which has featured more than 60 members since it was founded in 1953, has prevented any other performers from appearing under the same title again.

The doo-wop band was taken over by music executive George Treadwell, whose family have managed the band since his death in 1967.

The Treadwells had threatened legal action against another band using the Drifters name unless they stopped performing under the title.

Lawyer Tom Frederikse, who is representing the family, told reporters the decision was a "moral victory" for the Treadwells and "reaffirmed their right to the family business".

The Drifters, made famous by hits including Under The Boardwalk and Up On The Roof, has sold 114 million albums throughout the group's 55-year career.