Neil Young had criticised US Presidential candidate Donald Trump for using his song, “Rockin’ In The Free World“, apparently without consent.
Yesterday [June 16, 2015], Republican Trump announced he would run for President, using Young’s 1989 track to launch his campaign.
Rolling Stone reports that Young’s management company, Lookout, immediately issued a statement criticising Trump’s use of the song.
“Donald Trump was not authorized to use ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ in his presidential candidacy announcement,” said the statement. “Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for President of the United States of America.”
A spokesman for Trump replied, “Through a license agreement with [performance-rights organization] ASCAP, Mr. Trump’s campaign paid for and obtained the legal right to use Neil Young’s recording of ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ at today’s event. Mr. Trump is a huge fan of Neil Young and his music and will continue to be regardless of Neil’s political views.”
The History Of Rock – a brand new monthly magazine from the makers of Uncut – goes on sale in the UK on July 9. Click here for more details.
Meanwhile, the July 2015 issue of Uncut is in shops now – featuring the Rolling Stones, 13th Floor Elevators, Jim O’Rourke, Ringo Starr and more