That’s not really a quote, but it is the sentiment expressed by the Canadian rock trio through their attorney, who asked that Rand Paul’s campaign stop using the songs “Spirit of Radio” and “Tom Sawyer” in Web ads and campaign appearances.
Jesus, when are politicians going to learn this one? You want to use some band’s music, you have to ask the band. For every Clinton campaign that obtains the rights to “Don’t Stop,” there’s a Charlie Crist, currently being sued by David Byrne of Talking Heads for using “Road to Nowhere.”
And a John McCain, who was sued by Jackson Browne for using “Running on Empty.” (McCain settled.)
And a Ronald Reagan, who pissed off Bruce Springsteen (though Bruce didn’t take legal action) for using “Born in the U.S.A.,” which is a really strange choice because “Born in the U.S.A.” is about a dejected-feeling Vietnam veteran.
[Rush attorney Robert] Farmer, general counsel for the Anthem Entertainment Group Inc. in Toronto, which is Rush’s record label, has sent a letter to Paul campaign officials informing them that they have violated copyright laws — and urging them to stop.”This is not a political issue — this is a copyright issue,” Farmer said in an interview. “We would do this no matter who it is.”
Jesse Benton, Paul’s campaign manager, said in an e-mail: “The background music Dr. Paul has played at events is a non-issue. The issues that matter in this campaign are cutting out-of-control deficits, repealing Obama Care and opposing cap and trade.”
He did not say if the campaign would stop using the band’s music.
Yeah, take the defiant tack. Good call.
Rand Paul is such a… disappointment. I was hoping he would at least be on the right side of some issues as Libertarians are… but he doesn’t seem to be anything other than a far right wing Republican.