Foo Fighters Tell McCain: Stop Using Our Song

NEW YORK — Yet another band is complaining about John McCain's use of their song to promote his campaign. This time, it's the Foo Fighters.

The rockers sent out a missive telling the Republican presidential candidate to stop using "My Hero." They said they learned it was being use through news reports.

"The saddest thing about this is that `My Hero' was written as a celebration of the common man and his extraordinary potential," the band said in a statement. "To have it appropriated without our knowledge and used in a manner that perverts the original sentiment of the lyric just tarnishes the song."

The band noted it's not the first time McCain has been told to stop using a song. John Mellencamp, Heart and Jackson Browne have also complained _ Browne even filed a lawsuit.

Soul legend Sam Moore also has asked the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to stop using "Soul Man."

"The McCain-Palin campaign respects copyright. Accordingly, this campaign has obtained and paid for licenses from performing rights organizations, giving us permission to play millions of different songs, including `My Hero,'" said McCain-Palin spokesman Brian Rogers.

Comments

[thegirlnextdoor]

So far every musician has asked McCain to STOP using their songs, while many are writing songs for Obama. Time for a harmonious change Americans!

[Manelvagorio]

Yeah!, McCain should just make up his own songs praising himself and have a bunch of impressionable little kids sing it for him like that slickly, sickly "spontaneous" SING FOR CHANGE video.
Can you imagine how the HPost would have ERRUPTED had McCain backers done something like that?

[peachSF02]

Been going on since Reagan Used "Born in the USA"
I don't think he ever read the lyrics!

I got in a little hometown jam
And so they put a rifle in my hands
Sent me off to Vietnam
To go and kill the yellow man

Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man says "Son if it was up to me"
I go down to see the V.A. man
He said "Son don't you understand"

[EmotionDetector]

That doesnt leave McCain a lot of options.

Just.....Ted Nugent.

[buddydave]

Since McCain was asked to stop using "My Hero" and refuses to -- as a Foo Fighter fan, my only recourse is to not vote for John McCain.

[Kremfresch]

Seeing as he lost 5 aircraft in his military carreer, it would be much more appropriate to use Foo Fighters "Learn to Fly"

[OkieIntellectual]

BWAHAHAHAHA!! Classic!

[TypicalRepublicanDotCom]

McCain shouldn't be using that Lefty GARBAGE anyway, what is he thinking? But if he wants to use it he should be able too, as long as he pays the $.99 to download the song, he owns it, he can do whatever he wants to after that. This is STILL AMERICAN, isn't it?

[cnobody]

I'm hoping that you're just joking. If you're not, then I hope you educate yourself about the usage rights you have when you purchase music.

[SoCalVandal]

Wow, I had no idea the foo fighters were socialists. Guess I'll have to stop downloading their music, they'll never get another dime from me. Funny how all these musicians are for freedom of expression and free speech. Oh yeah, unless they don't agree with you. He shouldn't b&^# at McCain's campaign, he needs to complain to his record label...

[cnobody]

you are confusing different issues. the Mac campaign used the song without paying for the rights to use it. it has nothing to do with freedom of speech.

[wolfmason]

Hey genius, if they're "socialists" why are they asking you to pay for their music, and denying McCain the right to use their music as a promotional tool in a public forum without paying proper royalty fees? Who's the "socialist" again?

[OkieIntellectual]

It looks like SoCal is demonstrating typical Repug thinking... "Hey, them fellas are talking down to The McCain, and my pastor said that I'm supposed to support his campaign on account of that Palin lady being the second coming of the virgin Mary, so I don't like them Foo Fighters anymore & I'm gonna call them names like socialist because I don't know what that word means but I know its bad."

[RTIII]

Most people on the right who use the term haven't the slightest idea what it really means. It's not stupidity, it's ignorance, and it can be treated, like an infection...
.

[buddydave]

Is it socialism if Coca-Cola uses a musician's song to promote its product without permission?

No -- it's called theft.

The Republicans are using these songs to promote their product -- John McCain.

It's not free expression to steal someone's song and promote a product with it. Yes, McCain can play the song at a private party, but to use it at public rallies and to have Dave Grohl's voice singing "My Hero" in reference to John McCain is theft.

I hope he gets sued by every artist who didn't give permission to use their songs (i.e., everyone but Toby Keith and Big & Rich).

[Manelvagorio]

His campaign paid for and obtained proper licenses. Read the article dillweed!

[epitomized]

You should be banned from the Internet.
Also, clearly not understanding up from down, you should also lose your right to vote.

[JustMyWords]

Funny how people lacking in reasonable analytical skills love to toss around the word "socialist" without apparently having the first idea of what it means.

Since when would it be socialist for someone to expect that their work not be used without permission and/or payment? Um, isn't selling your creation the ultimate CAPITALIST activity?

[legislature]

The Foo are uselessjunk. Net album sales are down for them anyway. Many artists would have no problem performing on the hill to get out the vote for McCain. The only reason that the Foo are doing this is to net themselves more album sales. Its the same reason that guys like Brett Michaels do stupid reality tv shows. They don't care about the message, they just care about how much money they make. The White House doesn't need the support of the Foo anyway.

[cnobody]

as most republicans seem to be devout capitalists, i'm surprised that they are missing the point that the Mac campaign is stealing the Foo's rightfully earned money by playing their song over loudspeakers at rallies, without purchasing the rights to do so.

[Donns]

That's absolutely correct. They have Lawrence Welk reruns

[buddydave]

"Many artists would have no problem performing on the hill to get out the vote for McCain."

Name one that's not a country musician.

[epitomized]

Wait, are you saying that McCain and the current White House are one in the same?

Also, I know of few mainstream artists who would perform on the hill for McCain. Have you not noticed the backlash against him?

McCain, being a capitalist, is once against not doing as he says. If he supports business, as he has demonstrated he does ... many times over ... then his campaign should be willing to pay for the rights to the song just as anyone else would. It is not free to write, produce and record a song.

Perhaps the McCain campaign didn't have enough money to pay for the rights? After all, everybody is busy donating to Obama, including all of our brave soldiers overseas.

Speaking of lack of donations from soldiers. Aren't they otherwise very loyal people? It must be really bad if they're breaking with McCain, who is one of their own, and supporting Obama. It kind of throws the whole "vote for me, I served" plea out the window. Even the people who are serving aren't supporting McCain.

[RoXXanne]

Sure buddy, having a good time projecting again?

FIY, not everyone is like your 'hero' John McCain, who will sell his soul to Satan in order to get some votes!

[vfx]

The John McSame/GOP's stolen music - Cease and Desist list so far. Part 1

John Meloncamp "Our Country" http://www.google.com/search?q=John+mellencamp+McCain
Jackson Browne "Running on Empty" (suing McSame and the GOP)
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/features/columns/music_reporter/e3i3338808b4eeae51f4848f82705d7ca89
Van Halen "Right here Right Now"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/05/heart-van-halen-orleans-j_n_124264.html
The Foo Fighters “My Hero”
http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/10/66409/index.html
Tom Petty “I Won’t Back Down” (Threatened to sue Bush)
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/features/columns/music_reporter/e3i3338808b4eeae51f4848f82705d7ca89
Boston “More Than a Feeling” (Huckabee)
http://timesonline.typepad.com/uselections/2008/02/he-battled-the.html
Heart "Barracuda"
http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/09/05/heart-lash-out-at-mccain-campaigns-use-of-barracuda/
Chuck Berry "Johnny be Good” Did not say to stop using the song but Chuck is an 81 year old Barrack Obama supporter. McSame said about using the song” It might be because it is the only one [the artist] hasn't complained about us using."
http://powerpop.blogspot.com/2008/06/chuck-berry-to-john-mccain-drop-dead.html
Orleans “Still the One” (Bush too tried using writer John Hall’s hit. He was understandably upset as he is now a Democratic NY Congressman)
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/06/13/1138458.aspx

[epitomized]

Further proof that just about nobody wants to be associated with McCain.

Well, except for those who have lost touch with reality -- his supporters.

[thebyron]

The Foos had the same problem with Bush 4 years ago...same song and everything!

Who says McCain's a maverick?

[Mike3232]

This is being reported in the usual liberal slanted fashion. There is no mention in the article of the McCain campaign purchase of the use license required. That would call for "objectivity". The liberal media has lost that aspect of reporting.

Purchase of a use license from ASCAP BMI and SESAC grants immediate and unlimited access to their vast repertory, including music used in broadcast commercials and jingles.
So, if the Foo Fighters' political based complaint about McCain's use of their song is so important to them then they can remedy that by making all of their songs unavailable for use by ANYONE.

If I were the McCain campaign I would announce that the Foo Fighters politically objected to the use of 'My Hero', pull it from use and go on. McCain backers will form their opinions about the Foo Fighters from this development, but the Foo Fighters and the Media have already caused that to happen.

[DallasDemocrat]

I doubt that the Foo Fighters could give a c rap if that portion of the population doesn't support them... Obviously, they made that very apparent when they sent this missive.

[SidFishes]

If I were the McCain campaign I would announce that the Foo Fighters politically objected to the use of 'My Hero', pull it from use and go on. McCain backers will form their opinions about the Foo Fighters from this development, but the Foo Fighters and the Media have already caused that to happen.
[So we should all only enjoy entertainment produced by those with whom we agree politically? What am I going to do the next time there's a Planet of the Apes marathon?]

[SidFishes]

This is being reported in the usual liberal slanted fashion.
[Reality has a well known liberal bias.]

There is no mention in the article of the McCain campaign purchase of the use license required.
[Except for in the last paragraph where it mentions the McCain campaign's purchase of the use license required.]

That would call for "objectivity". The liberal media has lost that aspect of reporting.
[The Associated Press: so liberal.]

Purchase of a use license from ASCAP BMI and SESAC grants immediate and unlimited access to their vast repertory, including music used in broadcast commercials and jingles.
[Your argument would be more compelling if paid a little more attention to your syntax. Oh and also if you had the slightest idea what you're talking about. Buy a public performance license from ASCAP and then put a Foo Fighters song in a "broadcast commercial" and see what happens to you. I double dog dare you. Unless you use a version you've re-recorded yourself you will probably be getting some very distressing phone calls. ]

So, if the Foo Fighters' political based complaint about McCain's use of their song is so important to them then they can remedy that by making all of their songs unavailable for use by ANYONE.
[Why is it so hard for you to understand that an artist would not want his work to be used to aggrandize a candidate he does not support?]

[BillyT]

Mike3232: if you don't read to the end it becomes a "liberal slanted reporting" problem?

Plus, it's not really a copyright problem we're talking about. McCain has ticked off so many artists this is old news. It is a way for artists to express their disgust over McSame. Comes with the territory.

Heart is donating its proceeds from the use of the song "Barracuda" to Obama campaign. Sweet.

[JB2003]

Mike, see last paragraph- these conservatives just can't be bothered to READ!

[BrirtObserver]

Isn't there a CD of singing cats he could use, I am sure they won't complain.

[char982]

Why are you conservatives complaining that a band doesn't want their song representing something/someone that they completely disagree with? It's their song, and they feel like their work is being misrepresented. But, then again, you're party doesn't really seem to have a problem with appropriating things to suit your own needs.

[CorruptocratHunter10]

As a huge fan of Foo Fighters, I am totally disgusted with the band. Not surprised though, it's typical Hollywood. I feel like trashing my CD's right now.
They paid for the song just like every free American does, following the rules. Freedom, what's that?
Now, if the band had said they didn't want their music associated with any political party, understood. I respect that. The fact that McCain has served our country honorably, and the word "Hero" is apparently the word that is offensive and/or not used in the sense they wanted, is undeniably cruel, apalling and Un-American to say that he is not a "Hero". All of the military are heroes.
Hollywood should not voice their political views, it's better if they keep their opinion to themselves and appear neutral.
Dave, you are certainly the man in my eyes, but you are a little less of one today.
Also, can we concentrate on just the issues that are really impacting the country and not what the DJ is playing at political events. Seriously.....

[Economike]

Every military in history has said that.

[LibDrummer]

"Hollywood should not voice their political views, it's better if they keep their opinion to themselves and appear neutral."

This is a ridiculous statement that goes against everything this country stands for. Why is it that if your talented, successful and well liked you should not voice your opinion? What is worse is when people like Hannity or Rush or Oriely make this same moronic argument. If you fail as many times as these losers, succeed at nothing else, have no education to speak of, fail to make it on several TV shows, but have a loud mouth and an opinion, we call you an expert and your opinion matters more than those that succeeded where you have failed?

I care much more what the Foo Fighters think than I care about what you think.

[CorruptocratHunter10]

Dave and the band are not an authority, nor am I, did I preach I was? They are also not a moral authority. If we have to look to celebrities to make our decisions or influence them, we have a problem. Decide for yourself, Democrat or Republican. THAT is not MORONIC.
What else is MORONIC, spewing information that is not correct
"succeed at nothing else, have no education to speak of," whose uneducated or has not succeeded? None of the people you listed are uneducated or not successful. Their "opinion" is only an "opinion", take it or leave it. I'm not even a fan of any of them, but I wouldn't say they are uneducated. That's a "ridiculous statement". O'Reilly (which is the correct spelling) has a major degree and was a school teacher I believe.

Again, music is not the issue, America is.

[SidFishes]

As a huge fan of Foo Fighters, I am totally disgusted with the band.
[Because they don't want to appear to be endorsing a political candidate that they don't endorse?]

Not surprised though, it's typical Hollywood.
[Hollywood meaning what? Typical in what sense?]

I feel like trashing my CD's right now.
[So you're saying you're prone to reacting to something you disagree with by destroying your own property. How constructive.]

They paid for the song just like every free American does, following the rules.
[Actually, it sounds like they paid for some kind of blanket ASCAP performance license which is what legally permits them to play the song in a public setting. I think what the band is uncomfortable with is that (a) it creates the impression that they endorse McCain and (b) the lyric is being taken out of context. This is a similar situation to when the Reagan campaign played "Born in the USA" at reelection campaign rallies in the mid 80's. Springsteen had to point out that the song was written from the point of view of someone who had in fact been greatly hurt by Reagan's policies. This is called "irony."]

[SidFishes]

Freedom, what's that?
[Well, for one thing, it's being able to express your ideas no matter how convoluted and confused they may be.]

Now, if the band had said they didn't want their music associated with any political party, understood. I respect that.
[Right...p­oliticians should be allowed to appropriate art, tacitly implying the artist's endorsement, and the artist should remain "neutral."]

The fact that McCain has served our country honorably, and the word "Hero" is apparently the word that is offensive and/or not used in the sense they wanted, is undeniably cruel, apalling and Un-American to say that he is not a "Hero".
[Sarah Palin could not have said this better.]

All of the military are heroes
[?]

Hollywood should not voice their political views, it's better if they keep their opinion to themselves and appear neutral.
[Again: what has Hollywood got to do with this? I think Dave Grohl lives in Virginia.]

Dave, you are certainly the man in my eyes, but you are a little less of one today.
[He's less of a man because he doesn't want the use of his work to incorrectly create the impression he supports John McCain?]

Also, can we concentrate on just the issues that are really impacting the country and not what the DJ is playing at political events. Seriously.....
[Yet here you are. Perhaps you do understand what irony is after all.]

[CorruptocratHunter10]

Yes Dave lives in Virginia, good call, he's a part of Hollywood....music industry? I was unaware that wasn't a part of Hollywood?
Nobody should be using any artist's music for political reasons. No one.

[RobinLandseadel]

". . .All of the military are heroes. . ."

No. All of the military are humans, with all the positives and negatives that are part and parcel of the human condition. If this well researched article, recently published by Rolling Stone magazine, is any indication then some of John McCain's claims to heroism are---at the very least---compromised by what he actually did:

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain

[CorruptocratHunter10]

Are you serious? Claims? That's really disgusting. You are sick, very sick.

[Economike]

They should use Old McDonald because McCain would be a McPresident if elected.