"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,” Young’s team fired off in a statement to the media.
The Trump campaign quickly defended themselves, claiming they had obtained the rights to use the song through ASCAP, a nonprofit organization that collects royalties when a member’s song is used publicly.
“Through a licensing agreement with ASCAP, Mr. Trump’s campaign paid for and obtained the legal right to use Neil Young’s recording of ‘Rockin' In The Free World,'" Trump's Campaign Manager Corey Lewandowski told Fox News. "Nevertheless, there are plenty of other songs to choose from. Despite Neil’s differing political views, Mr. Trump likes him very much.”
One might think candidates would start looking into the political preferences of musicians they intend to use, as upset artists blasting tone-deaf candidates has seemingly become a tradition of sorts.
Marco Rubio was called out earlier this year by an electronic duo whose music he chose to play during his rally, and in 2010 the Florida Republican was blasted by the Steve Miller Band for using their song “Take the Money and Run” in a campaign attack video against opponent Charlie Crist.
In 2012, Mitt Romney was slammed by the Silversun Pickups, who actually sent him a cease and desist letter regarding his use of their song “Panic Switch.”
"We don't like people going behind our backs, using our music without asking, and we don't like the Romney campaign," Brian Aubert, the band’s guitar player publicly stated.
Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, seems to have done her homework so far. The Democratic nomination hopeful has created an entire Spotify playlist of trendy girl power anthems from the likes of Katy Perry and Kelly Clarkson.
Perry has publicly shown support for Clinton and her pantsuits.
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) June 13, 2015
