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23 artists who have spoken out against Donald Trump playing their music at his events
23 artists who have spoken out against Donald Trump playing their music at his events
Jennifer HusseinJan 24, 2024, 22:56 IST
Many musicians have spoken up about not wanting their music played at Donald Trump's rallies or events.Reuters/James Glover II
Musicians and their families have spoken out against Donald Trump using their music for his events.
Rihanna reportedly had her team issue cease-and-desist notices to the Trump campaign.
Throughout his presidential campaigns and his presidency, Donald Trump has received disapproval from many musicians who don't want their music played at his events.
Many artists and their teams have even sent cease-and-desist notices, which are essentially warnings that demand a specific action be stopped or else legal action will be pursued.
From Neil Young to Rihanna, here are the artists — or their representatives — who have spoken out against Trump using their music at his events and rallies.
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Johnny Marr of The Smiths posted his displeasure on X.
Johnny Marr is a guitarist for The Smiths.Matthew McNulty/Redferns/Getty Images
Tom Petty's family issued a complaint to the Trump campaign after one of the musician's songs was played at a 2020 rally.
Tom Petty's family said they did not give Trump permission to use "I Won't Back Down."Samir Hussein/Getty Images
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John Fogerty said more than once that he doesn't want Trump using his song "Fortunate Son."
John Fogerty posted online about the issue.Getty Images/Getty Images for Capitol Concerts
Phil Collins' team has told the Trump campaign to stop playing "In the Air Tonight."
Phil Collins sings "In the Air Tonight."Getty
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Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco told Trump to stop playing one of his songs.
Brendon Urie is the frontman of Panic! At The Disco.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for iHeartMedia
Neil Young was one of the first musicians to tell Trump to stop playing his music.
Neil Young's representatives put out a statement against Trump's use of the song.Getty Images
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Rihanna's team sent a cease-and-desist notice to the White House.
Rihanna called Trump's rallies "tragic."Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Elton John said he doesn't want his music used in American election campaigns.
Elton John said his views are different from Trump's.Mike Segar/Reuters
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R.E.M. said they sent a cease-and-desist notice to Donald Trump.
R.E.M. put out a statement on Facebook.Mark Mainz/Getty
Adele spoke out against Trump once he started using her music at rallies.
Adele endorsed Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election.Jason Merritt/Getty Images
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The Rolling Stones have sent out multiple statements against Trump's use of their music.
Trump didn't listen to their wishes.REUTERS/Mike Blake
Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses said he didn't want Trump playing the band's music at rallies.
Axl Rose said his band has formally requested that Trump not play their music.Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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Pharrell Williams had his lawyer send Trump a cease-and-desist notice.
Pharrell Williams's lawyer said the singer has not and will not give Trump permission to use his music.Rich Polk/Getty Images
Queen's Brian May also said that Trump never asked permission to use "We Are The Champions."
Queen has never really wanted their music used in political campaigns.Reuters
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Queen also asked Trump to stop using "We Are The Champions."
Queen has not endorsed the use of their music for Trump's campaigns.Hulton Archive/Stringer/Getty Images
Earth, Wind & Fire said their song "September" was played at the 2016 Republican Convention against their wishes.
Earth, Wind & Fire took a cue from Queen.Gary Gershoff/Getty Images
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Eddie Levert of The O'Jays took issue with Trump playing one of their songs.
The O'Jays had previously given permission for Trump to use one of their songs in a different way.David Becker/Getty Images
Paul Rodgers of the band Free got his lawyer involved.
Paul Rodgers said no permission was sought.Jo Hale/Getty Images
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Members of George Harrison's estate said the use of "Here Comes the Sun" went against their wishes.
George Harrison's estate got in a burn.Wikimedia Commons
Luciano Pavarotti's family said his values don't match Trump's.
Trump later called Luciano Pavarotti a "great friend."Getty Images / Stringer
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Prince's half-brother requested that the Trump campaign stop using "Purple Rain."
Prince's half-brother released the statement.Warner Bros.
Steven Tyler sent a cease-and-desist notice concerning Aerosmith's music.
Steven Tyler has asked Trump to stop playing his music multiple times.Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
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Twisted Sister's Dee Snider ended his musical relationship with Trump over conflicting political views.
Dee Snider had initially given Trump permission.Ethan Miller/Getty