There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and artists getting upset when politicians use their songs at events.
This time it's Boston rock band Aerosmith, who would prefer that GOP front-runner Donald Trump stop using their song "Dream On" at events.
On Saturday, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler's reps sent Donald Trump for President Inc. a demand to stop using the power ballad "Dream On" at campaign events. The cease and desist letter was actually the second time Trump has been warned about using the song. According to the letter obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Trump was first told to not use "Dream On" after an Aug. 21 event in Mobile, Ala. Since then, the song has been used, including at Trump's recent rally in Georgia.
"Trump for President does not have our client’s permission to use 'Dream On' or any of our client’s other music in connection with the Campaign because it gives the false impression that he is connected with or endorses Mr. Trump’s presidential bid," states a cease and desist letter.
Despite the cease and desist letter, Tyler's attorney insists that this is not about politics, but rather copyright. Tyler and Trump have been friends for a while, and Tyler is a Republican.
Tyler's attorney, Dina LaPolt, said in a statement: "This is not a political nor personal issue with Mr. Trump. Steven works tirelessly with both Republicans and Democrats regarding copyright reform and his position has always been consistent regarding copyright and intellectual property. Simply, one must get permission from the music creators. Steven wrote 100% of 'Dream On,' and this is about the un-authorized use of his property. Steven is a registered Republican."
Honestly, I can't really blame Aerosmith on this one. (Plus, I feel like "Dream On" is a really odd choice for a campaign song, but that's just me...) Aerosmith owns the song, and they don't want it politicized by anybody. That's reasonable and fair.
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