Neil Young, Donald Trump for President Song Beef [VIDEO]: ‘Rockin' in the Free World’ Musician Upset by Tune Use
Once again, Donald Trump has made a bid to become president of the United States, and everyone is acting as if they didn't see it coming. The Donald, a man who strives for attention, said he would be running as a Republican candidate. One person not happy about this at all is Neil Young. Once the libertarian found out that Trump was parading around with the classic "Rockin' in the Free World," the rock legend became livid. It's safe to say he did not appreciate the Donald using his song as the theme to his campaign.
Young's manager released a statement regarding the musician's displeasure with the Donald. Beyond copyright concerns, one of the main reasons why is because Young supports another Republican candidate:
"Donald Trump was not authorized to use "Rockin' In The Free World" in his presidential candidacy announcement," his manager stated. "Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for President of the United States of America."
Young joins a long list of musicians that angered by politicians using their song. During Ronald Reagan's campaign, Bruce Springsteen was angered that the candidate came out to "Born in the USA." When Mitt Romney ran for president rapper K'Naan threatened to file legal action because Romney used his song "Wavin' Flag." The Dropkick Murphys are another band that found spite in a politician using their song. According to them, they didn't like that Governor Scott Walker used their cover of "I'm Shipping Up to Boston."
Probably the most famous incident of musicians angered by a politician using their song came when Sarah Palin used Heart's "Barracuda" in 2008. Back then, they complained about Palin using the song and found it ironic that a politician came out to an anti-corporation protest.
Do you think these musicians have a fair gripe with politicians using their song?