Photo: Getty
The McCain campaign has been using the the Foo Fighters classic "My Hero" during rallies without seeking permission from the band, its management or label. In response, the band has told him to quit that shit. A statement from the Foos reads:
"This isn't the first time the McCain campaign has used a song without making any attempt to get approval or permission from the artist. It's infuriating that someone who claims to speak for the American people would repeatedly show such little respect for creativity and intellectual property. The saddest thing about this is that 'My Hero' was written as a celebration of the common man and his extraordinary potential. To have it approved without our knowledge and used in a manner that perverts the original sentiment of the lyric just tarnishes the song. We hope the McCain campaign will do the right thing and stop using our song--and start asking artists' permission in general!"
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- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.
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stanislavsky | October 12, 2008 6:13 PM
i'm not sure what the laws are in america- but in australia it's a breach of copyright if someone uses a piece of music for any advertising or money-making thing without the artists permission. if the music is incidental- like walkin music for a movie, then permission/royalties aren't required.
the fact that it came to people's attention means that the music was probably a feature and not 'incidental'... but mccain could probably argue that a political rally isn't a money-making venture... i would argue otherwise but i imagine his lawyers are better than mine
Dan | October 12, 2008 10:27 AM
The same thing happened with Bush in 2004. Instead of suing, Dave and Co. went out and played at a Kerry rally. I like that better than just rounding up the lawyers.
T | October 11, 2008 12:42 AM
I wish they'd sue the shit out of McCain for this. That'd be funny.
Anonymous | October 10, 2008 10:55 PM
Actually... it is a required thing. McCain used the song illegally, and as such can be prosecuted under American law by the RIAA.
Max | October 10, 2008 7:33 PM
Although I agree people should ask before using an artist's song, it may not be a required thing. Not sure what the rights are, but the McCain campaign may have had the rights to use it. I'm not happy about it, I'm just saying.