We've spent over a month highlighting the strength of protest in song form - but how about those big named artists who take legal steps to keep their music from being used for a presidential campaign that supports hate?
Since 2015, there have been several artists that are NOT okay with President Donald Trump using their songs at his rallies because their beliefs, ideologies and morals collide with Trump's messaging and platform.
We've made a list of 10 artists who have either sent cease-and-desist letters to Trump for using their music at rallies or other events. Check it out:
Tom Petty
Song: "I Won't Back Down."
Message:
Prince
Song: "Purple Rain"
Message:
"The Prince Estate has never given permission to President Trump or The White House to use Prince's songs and have requested that they cease all use immediately." - Prince's half-brother Omarr Baker
Panic! At the Disco
Song: "High Hopes"
Message:
Rihanna
Song: "Don't Stop the Music"
Message:
Neil Young
Song: "Rockin' in the Free World"
Message:
"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 of America." - 2015
Pharrell
Song: "Happy" (at a rally just a few hours after the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting).
Message:
"There was nothing 'happy' about the tragedy inflicted upon our country on Saturday and no permission was granted for your use of this song for this purpose."
R.E.M.
Song: "It's the End of the World"
Message:
“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.”
The Rolling Stones
Song: "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
Message:
"The BMI have notified the Trump campaign on behalf of the Stones that the unauthorized use of their songs will constitute a breach of its licensing agreement. If Donald Trump disregards the exclusion and persists then he would face a lawsuit for breaking the embargo and playing music that has not been licensed."
Guns N' Roses
Song: "Sweet Child 'O Mine"
Message:
The O'Jays
Song: "Love Train"
Message:
"... I wish him the best, but I don't think he's the man to run our country. So when he started using 'Love Train,' I called him up and told them, 'Listen, man, I don't believe in what you're doing. I'm not with you. I don't want you to use my voice. I'm not condoning what you're doing." - Eddie Leveret
Other artists who have said "hell no" to Trump using their music:
Queen, Adele, Elton John, Aerosmith, Village People, George Harrison's estate, Twisted Sister, and more.
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With the current state of the world, it's important to raise awareness and encourage our readers to take action in support of the BLACK LIVES MATTER movement. We compiled a list or resources to help guide you in the right direction to begin helping today - check it out HERE.
