All the Artists Who Don’t Want Donald Trump Using Their Music
From Céline Dion to the Smith’s Johnny Marr, these musicians have demanded that the former president stop playing their songs at events
The use of popular music at political events has long been a contentious issue, with many artists objecting to their work being associated with politicians or causes they don't support. The case of Donald Trump is particularly notable, given his polarizing figure and history of using songs without permission. The likes of Céline Dion, Neil Young, and The Smith's Johnny Marr have all spoken out against Trump using their music, highlighting the tension between artists' creative control and the often-unauthorized use of their work in the political sphere.
This trend is part of a larger conversation about artistic ownership and the exploitation of musicians' work for political gain. In recent years, there have been several high-profile instances of artists pushing back against Trump's use of their music, including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Queen. The issue matters because it speaks to the power dynamics at play between artists, politicians, and the music industry. When politicians use music without permission, it can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation, where the artist's work is co-opted to serve a political agenda without their consent or compensation.
As the music industry continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more artists taking a stand against the unauthorized use of their work. What to watch next is how this trend might influence the way politicians approach music licensing and artist permissions in the future. Will we see a shift towards more transparent and respectful practices, or will the issue continue to be a source of contention? One thing is certain: artists are increasingly assertive about controlling their creative output, and the use of music in politics will remain a key battleground in the years to come.
Originally reported by rollingstone.com. MusicNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.