Stars demand for Donald Trump: Stop using our songs or face the music
Musicians including Mick Jagger, Michael Stipe, Steven Tyler and Sheryl Crow signed a letter demanding that politicians get consent before playing their songs at campaign rallies.
Top musicians, including Mick Jagger and Sheryl Crow, have signed a letter demanding that politicians get their consent before playing their songs at campaign rallies.
The soundtrack to political events was a hot topic during the 2016 election and is again this year, with several stars objecting to Donald Trump playing their songs without permission.
Michael Stipe of REM, Regina Spektor and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler were among others to put their name on the letter, which was written with the Artist Rights Alliance, Rolling Stone magazine reported.
“No artist should be forced to compromise their values or be associated with politicians they don’t respect or support,” the Artist Rights Alliance tweeted on Tuesday.
“To defend free speech and political expression, we’re calling on campaigns to get permission before using music at political events.”
The Rolling Stones threatened legal action last month against Mr Trump for his use of their classic You Can’t Always Get What You Want at campaign rallies. Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, Aerosmith, Adele, Neil Young and the estates of singer Prince and Tom Petty all have also hit out after Mr Trump used their songs.
Other signatories of the letter revealed on Tuesday include Lionel Richie, Elvis Costello, and bands Blondie, Green Day and Pearl Jam.
AFP
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