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Artists ticked off at GOP’s song choices
This campaign season, Republicans have been using some songs from artists who wouldn’t have given permission if asked, and some who have spoken up to ask that their songs not be used in the future. This proves that any publicity isn’t always good publicity — until you make an issue of it, and then it’s great.
Here’s the no-playlist:
Van Halen — Right Now: Van Halen management says band had no idea McCain was planning to use “Right Now” during his big entrance in Dayton, saying, “Permission was not sought or granted nor would it have been given.”
Jackson Browne — Running on Empty: If the whole episode strikes a nostalgic tone, it’s because famous musical artists and Republican presidential candidates have butted heads in the past. Bruce Springsteen publicly complained when Ronald Reagan used “Born in the U.S.A” during his campaign in 1984.
Heart — Barracuda: The Wilson sisters condemned the usage, adding that Universal Music Publishing and Sony BMG have sent a cease-and-desist notice to the McCain-Palin campaign, according to CNN. “We have asked the Republican campaign publicly not to use our music,” the group said in a statement.
Orleans — Still the One: Proving that campaign vetting should be across-the-board extensive, McCain sparked the ire of the song’s co-writer, the founding member of Orleans and current New York congressman, John Hall.
Frankie Valli — Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You: Warner Music Group (WMG) appears to have demanded that YouTube remove “Obama Love,” a montage of press fawning over Sen. Barack Obama that had been posted on Sen. John McCain’s official YouTube channel. “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Warner Music Group,” says a message on YouTube.
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Comments
By victor mickunas
September 5, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
The use of Barracuda by Heart was clearly a tribute to Sarah Palin - it was truly surreal to watch the activity onstage while it was being played-I can’t imagine that John McCain even had the slightest clue who Heart is!By nodogs
September 5, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
I hear that the Wilson sisses are ready and willing to give permission for Barack to play “Magic Man” whenever he wants. Kidding, but it is fun to match up the song with the candidate … “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by the Beach Boys for Bristol & Levi; “Stuck in the Middle with You” for Todd Palin, etc …By old bus
September 5, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
I use to listen to Heart music. I hear their trying to make a comeback.To bad, this old Republican won’t buy any of it.By R J..Miamisburg
September 5, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Oh Boo Hoo, Boo Hoo, those nasty Republicans using my songs for their cause. Boo Hoo Boo Hoo. Heckmany of these groups havenot had hits for years, so they should be happy that someone is playing their stuff..By youdinwrtit
September 5, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
NO ONE WANTS TO BE ASSOCAITED WITH THOSE TWO LIARS. I’D SUE IF IT WAS ME..By Alice
September 5, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Why not use Daddy Yankee???? To clarify, Jackson Browne has actually sued McCain over the use of his song. In addition, Mike Myers never gave permission to use a clip of Wayne’s World in an ad. He sent a cease and desist letter. I can understand that some people aren’t as aware of copyright laws, and I could give McCain’s campaign a break the first couple of times, and I can also sympathize that there probably are not a lot of recording artists willing to support him, but after that it is just either blatant and they don’t care, or they are just COMPLETELY STUPID.By Amy
September 6, 2008 3:50 AM | Link to this
Wouldnt you think that these so called “has been” artists would be jumping for joy over the use of their music? LoosersBy ocho cinco
September 6, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
Nice spelling of the word “loosers”. I think you were looking for “losers”. The music belongs to the artist, perhaps the Republicans should have asked before they used the music.By jj
September 6, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Like Dude Its just a frigging song;By Tom
September 6, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Boy, the liberals are running scared!!By Musicman
September 6, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it funny that has been, dope smoking, plastic surgery getting grandmas/grandpas get angry that their music is getting played and danced to. Take the compliment that people still like your music.By andy
September 6, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Darn right we’re scared. Scared of four more years of Republican rule. Very scared. BTW - are these the same politicians that fall in line behind the RIAA every time these is an artist rights issue before congress? Either the content is respected or it isn’t…some consistency would be nice.By Me
September 6, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Like dude…..learn to use a computer. You only have to hit “post” once. Perhaps McCain/Palin don’t understand the concept of theft. Or maybe Palin thinks it was God’s will. Either way….they aren’t getting my vote.By Stephen
September 6, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
its just proof of the same old do what ever you want Republican mantra. Steal people’s money, songs, vote on their civil rights. This is proof McBush would have no respect for other’s rights or property.By Socialism sucks
September 6, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I’m sure if Obama had used their music everything would have been just fine…..By In his right mind
September 6, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
I don’t think they should be mad over the use of the songs, they should be flattered that someone remembered who they are. Any voting for Obama has clearly had a frontal lobotamy and if he wins I don’t want to hear anything from his voters about not having any money. Change is what they want then pocket change is all we will have when he is done with us. After all he is a community organizer, whatever that isBy Seriously?
September 6, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait until Obama loses…what will Hollywood and the liberal medial do then?By stephen
September 6, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
liberal media rules! i’m so happy that the media is liberal. And what most people mean when they say that is that they are independent and ask tough questions to both sides. If that means liberal…then go liberal media!By In his right mind
September 6, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Stephen, Liberal media does not ask the “tough questions” of both sides. If they did why aren’t they asking Obama about his relationships with William Aires and the rest of his squad of liberal morons. Tough questions are not asked equally and if you had any smarts at all you would realize this.By In his right mind
September 6, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Stephen, Liberal media does not ask the “tough questions” of both sides. If they did why aren’t they asking Obama about his relationships with William Aires and the rest of his squad of liberal morons. Tough questions are not asked equally.By Me
September 6, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Obama wouldnt have had to ask to use their music. artists actually want to perform for the democratic cause. lol. nobody wants to openly admit theyre republican. republicans are just a bunch of old, salty, grumpy racist white people.By Me
September 6, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
The William Aires issue (if you can call it that) was addressed and dealt with like a year ago, you uninformed, misguided, racist dumba$$By Me 2
September 6, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Oops, didnt know someone else named themselves “me” first. my badBy another me
September 6, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Republicans really don’t care which liberal musicians they anger by playing their songs. Especially since they are hard pressed to find a popular non-country song from a non—liberal musician. They bought their CD and can use it as they see fit. Some day these musicians will finally figure out that by complaining, all they do is draw attention to the message. They should know by now. PMRC labeling of their albums has the exact opposite intended effect. This is the same thing.By Frost King
September 6, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
McCain has to be told what day it is much less what song they’re playing on his behalf…Can you see the strings when he stands before a crowd? Palin seems to be alright-hell, she’s a hockey mom eh? She’s bright, articulate and gutsy, but alas, just another pawn in the Republican Dog and Pony Show…By enough
September 7, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Being someone that is heavily into music, none of these artist that are mentioned are has beens. I believe it was the republicans that wanted illegal downloading heavily fined(except for them). It is up to the artist to approve how their music is portrayed in the public arena. This is no different then getting permission to show a movie clip. It comes down to respect and the republicans don’t possess any.By ochocinco85
September 7, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this
yes they should have gotten permission first, but c’mon…what a joke, presidential canadates should be able to use the music if they wish, no one paid to listen to the music…I think maybe these guys are just happy to be in the news and are saying they are mad so they can stay in the semi-spotlight a little longer