Boxers use rousing songs to herald their entrance, as do politicians these days, but the presidential hopefuls in America seem to be upsetting a few musicians.
The Foo Fighters are the latest band to take exception to one of their tracks being used by Republican candidate John McCain.
The group are objecting to his use of their song ‘My Hero’ as they say it ‘tarnishes’ the track. They believe the song has been appropriated without their knowledge and used in a manner that perverts the original sentiment of the lyric.
Earlier, the Wilson sisters from the group Heart sent a ‘cease and desist’ letter to the Republicansn in relation to the use of their popular 1977 track ‘Barracuda’. They sought legal advice after Sarah Palin used the track at a rally.
Singer Jackson Browne is also suing John McCain for using his song ‘Running on Empty’ in an advertising campaign. Browne is seeking $75,000 in damages, claiming that the advert was an infringement of copyright and will lead people to conclude he endorses McCain.
The Republican party claim that they respect copyright and have all the necessary licences from the various performing rights organisations to play almost any song they please.
Soul singer Sam Moore (of Sam and Dave fame) has made a similar request to Democratic hopeful Barack Obama, asking him not to use any of his songs during his campaign.