We’re not gonna take it: Twisted Sister takes Palmer to court
US metal band Twisted Sister has launched legal proceedings against Clive Palmer over his use of their 1980s hit We’re Not Gonna Take It in ads for the United Australia Party.
- Twisted Sister singer accuses Palmer of being ‘common criminal’
- Snider: Clive Palmer link is a bad look
US metal band Twisted Sister has launched legal proceedings against Clive Palmer over his use of their 1980s hit We’re Not Gonna Take It in advertisements for the United Australia Party.
In what is believed to be the first time a political party in Australia has been sued over breach of music copyright, lawyers representing Universal Music Publishing filed papers in the Federal Court on Friday.
The famous band is seeking damages and aggravated damages over Mr Palmer’s use of the song, together with his alleged refusal to cease using the song despite multiple requests, seeking damages and aggravated damages.
We’re Not Gonna Take It was written and composed by Dee Snider, who is the lead singer of Twisted Sister.
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The song was released in 1984, with Universal holding the licensing rights.
The United Australia Party is understood to have approached Universal to obtain permission to use the song for advertising. The request was declined.
In January, both Universal and Simpsons Solicitors demanded the song stop being used.
A case management hearing has been set down for March 6. Mr Palmer was contacted for comment.
The court battle follows a public slanging match between Mr Snider and Mr Palmer over the song.
In a statement issued on January 30, Mr Palmer accused the “ageing rocker” of ripping off a “centuries old” Christmas carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, while challenging him to a court battle.
“As a senior citizen of the USA, I hope his tour earns him enough money for a comfortable retirement,” Mr Palmer said.
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