Macklemore’s Same Love not aired on 2GB or 3AW’s NRL Grand Final broadcast

A MELBOURNE and Sydney broadcaster have clashed over a decision not to play Macklemore’s Same Love song during last night’s NRL Grand Final, opting for a parody instead.

RADIO hosts have started a war of words after a decision not to play American rapper Macklemore’s controversial Same Love song supporting marriage equality, instead opting for a parody.

Melbourne’s 3AW host Neil Mitchell said he was “appalled” at the 2GB’s Continuous Call Team, which was syndicated on 3AW to call the NRL Grand Final, decided not play the song.

Instead, the station played Ray Hadley's 2013 parody Ray Can’t Play which he recorded with his daughter.

Mr Hadley fired back at his “w*nker” colleague for not speaking to him first before airing his grievances this morning.

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Mitchell’s Macquarie Media colleagues in New South Wales joked that Freddie Mercury was “reincarnated” while Macklemore appeared on stage, before refusing to play the song.

“The next song will be Same Love so we will be going to our version put together by the Robertson Brothers with Ray and also one of his daughters,” a presenter said.

“We are not hearing from Macklemore. Here we go with our Same Love version performed by Ray and his daughter.”

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott with Ray Hadley. Picture: Twitter

US artist Macklemore performs during the NRL grand final. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

The lyrics were rewritten to the backing of the Macklemore hit, starting out:

“When Black was in first grade, I loved how he played. I was in awe at how good he was, his game was insane. I asked Bozo Fulton was this guy a toss-up? He says Horse, Blacky will carve them up at the Panasonic Cup. Yes I guess he was a great player, wasn’t he?

“I loved it when he tapped Eddie on the head. Yeah, I remember doing the math like maybe I could play league. I had a preconceived idea that I had some skill but I worked out I was dreaming thanks to 50. I ended up calling the footy of course.”

His daughter belted out the lyrics: “Even if he tried, even if he wanted to. No Ray can’t play. Even if he tried, even if he wanted to. Lucky Darryl, Robbie know they could play, poor old Ray and he’s got nothing. He could never be playing.”

The song blocked out Macklemore’s controversial Yes song, which had been slammed last week for bringing politics into sport.

Ray Hadley in his studio. Picture Renee Nowytarger / The Australian

When 3AW’s Neil Mitchell was asked about the censorship this morning, he said it was a “stupid decision”.

“I think it is absolutely nonsense. We were taking a syndicated feed of the rugby final, which you can debate whether we should do that, but anyway we do that,” Mitchell said.

“The decision was made by the presenters there to censor the song and put some rubbish on instead. I thought it was unprofessional and embarrassing.

“Really, really, really, I was appalled. I really shake my head at that.

“And it’s nothing to do with censorship, it just sounded awful.”

3AW operations director Stephen Beers said the station took the broadcast from 2GB, and had no control over the editorial content of the program.

Mr Hadley called out Mr Mitchell for not sharing his concerns with him directly.

“It wasn’t played in protest to same-sex marriage. It was played as a gee-up because I thought John Farnham should have been there,” Mr Hadley said.

“He (Neil Mitchell) needs to ring me before he starts making outlandish statements. It had nothing to do with marriage equality. It was to do with Australia.

“It was about an Australian performing not Macklemore, for God’s sake.

“Well stick your head up your bum Neil. If you want to bag me, ring me. Have the guts to get on the phone ... and have a talk to me.”

Macquarie Media chief executive Adam Lang said Mr Hadley had been reminded of the recording a few days ago.

“I support Ray Hadley having a bit of fun in the broadcast,” he said.