Another Rock Star Calls Out Trump For The Unauthorized Use Of Music
September 15, 2015 by Ann Werner 5 Comments
roger-waters
Donald Trump may have a bunch of faithful acolytes but rock stars aren’t among them. In fact, Trump has been drawing ire from some of the biggest names in music.
Most recently, it is Roger Waters, co-founder of Pink Floyd, who had something to say about Trumpenstein. Waters described the reality star, real estate mogul, narcissistic blowhard as “the epitome of anything that might be considered bad” and “entrepreneurship gone wrong.” In an interview with Rolling Stone, Waters said, “His ideas [are] not outlandish at all. It’s American exceptionalism gone crazy and delivered under the umbrella of absolute ignorance. He is pig-ignorant and he always was and he always will be. He lives in the illusion that he’s admirable in some way. And obviously, for somebody like me, he stands for everything that is not admirable in American society.”
Just last week, Michael Stipe, lead singer for R.E.M., sent an email to the Daily Beast regarding the use of the band’s song “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by Trump and fellow candidate Ted Cruz. In no uncertain terms, Stipe let his feelings be known: “Go f*ck yourselves, the lot of you—you sad, attention-grabbing, power-hungry little men. Do not use our music or my voice for your moronic charade of a campaign.”
Citing that permission to use the song had not been given, the band issued the following statement: “While we do not authorize or condone the use of our music at this political event, and do ask that these candidates cease and desist from doing so, let us remember that there are things of greater importance at stake here. The media and the American voter should focus on the bigger picture, and not allow grandstanding politicians to distract us from the pressing issues of the day and of the current Presidential campaign.
Back in June, Trump faced backlash from Canadian Neil Young for the use of his song, “Rockin’ in the Free World.” A statement issued by the musician’s team said, “Donald Trump was not authorized to use ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ in his presidential candidacy announcement. Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for president of the United States.”
Maybe the Trumpster and his ilk should go looking at some of the musicians who share their views: Ted Nugent or Kid Rock or Hank Williams, Jr. How about Billy Ray Cyrus and “Achy Breaky Heart” for when he loses the election? There’s a lot to chose from, but you’ve got to admit, the music just isn’t as good! |
