Grooveshark gives up the groove, shuts down site

LOS ANGELES — Visitors to the music pirate website Grooveshark.com won’t be finding their favorite songs for free anymore.Instead, they are being greeted with a message apologizing without reservation for the site failing to secure licenses from rights holders for the vast amount of music on the service.

The website has shut down completely after reaching a settlement with major record companies Universal, Sony and Warner on Thursday.

Founders Josh Greenberg and Sam Tarantino admitted to creating and operating an infringing music service, and surrendered ownership of the site, mobile apps and intellectual property. They agreed to pay significant financial penalties if they fail to follow the settlement terms.

The message also directs visitors to legal alternatives including Spotify, Deezer, Google Play, Beats Music, Rhapsody and Rdio.