John McCain: Jackson Browne Used Me

John McCain is returning Jackson Browne's August lawsuit complaining about McCain using his song "Running on Empty" during his campaign by claiming Browne is just trying drum up publicity for his own album, reports TMZ.

McCain's lawyers filed a response, saying Jackson complained so he could get press to promote his new album, which came out a month later.

J-Mac also makes the argument he could use the tune whenever and where he wants because he was running for Prez, not trying to make a buck off it. If the court buys this "political speech as public interest" claim, it pretty much means curtains for a bunch of other musicians who were PO'd about their songs being used by the GOP.

The list of other acts mad at McCain for playing their songs includes Van Halen, Heart, Foo Fighters and more.

Comments

[wadenelson1]

The same senators who support the RIAA's ability to sue people who download tunes from the Internet for "non-profit use" apparently believe THEY can use the same music without paying.

Hypocrisy?

[karmafriend]

do you think the judge is ignorant like your base, mcnutty? you used that song (& others) to sell yourself, you putz. now you have to pay.

i hope the arrogance of this move, pushes the other musicians to sue too.

*rolling eyes*

[grey sells]

This all McCain posturing to buy some time, advance some possible defenses, etc that might mitigate the size of the settlement when it goes down [after all the lawyers get their bite]..

[kc7999]

This is ridiculous. Do they even vet the lyrics or the writers of the songs they use? JB is as liberal as they come. What the **** were they thinking using one of his songs? It's not even a flattering song in the context of a political campaign! WTF?!?!?!?

This is as insane as Reagan in '84 trying to use Springsteen's "Born in the USA" with its ultra-liberal anti-vietnam lyrics... Browne and Springsteen are both alumni of the "No Nukes" crowd BTW...

[LTSTUDIOS]

As a member of the entertainment industry I need to point out that songs, like motion pictures or novels, are COPYRIGHTED BY THE ARTIST. As such Jackson Browne's song "RUNNING ON EMPTHY" is clearly COPYRIGHTED and therefore, unless the McCain campagin asked permission to use the song and PAID the proper fees for it use Mr. Browine would have every right to file suite for violatyion of his copyright under United States Copyright Law. Being a political figure does NOT allow you to violate the copyright of any artist. End of case.

[HappyMarsden]

But does McCain have a case in saying the song was played in a not-for-profit context? ie. Does copyright infringement only apply if a song is used to generate revenue? Can a judge allow the playing of a song if it is in "public interest"? I've never heard of such a thing, and I sure would hope that rule doesn't exist!! Because that would mean artists are forced to give away their personal work if a judge deems the public at large is interested in it! Absolutely ridiculous.

[Jeff1958]

Ridiculous and absurd. JMac is claiming it was used not-for-profit??? How about fundraising? How about election to the presidency? I don't think profit has to be defined as cash in your pocket. Playing popular songs, "suggesting" to the public that certain entertainers support you to obtain larger crowds, more money and ultimately the Presidency suggests that JMac was absolutely attempting to profit.

[roshni]

How is running a presidential campaign not for profit? Does he pay his vendors for their services? The song is someone's intellectual property being used to further monetary gain.

[bluesoul]

Gives me an idea. Someone should do a parody of the song about the OBAMA campaign called Running on Empathy. Bet JB wouldn't object.

[roshni]

Dems don't usually have a problem in this area. The artist usually supports them and they vet the songs.
Obama used two key songs throughout his campaign. Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder, who supports him and The Rising by Bruce Springstein who also supports him.

[LTSTUDIOS]

As a member of the entertainment industry I need to point out that songs, like motion pictures or novels, are COPYRIGHTED BY THE ARTIST. As such Jackson Browne's song "RUNNING ON EMPTHY" is clearly COPYRIGHTED and therefore, unless the McCain campagin asked permission to use the song and PAID the proper fees for it use Mr. Browine would have every right to file suite for violatyion of his copyright under United States Copyright Law. Being a political figure does NOT allow you to violate the copyright of any artist. End of case.

[rockyersocksoff]

Why can't the GOP use music by bands that support them, like Skrewdriver?

[roshni]

They would be stuck with HW Jr and his ilk.

[Jinxykb]

I thought John mcCain's strategy of 'take all your own personal faults and passionately blame them on the other person' was just for the campaign. Pathetic, old, lunatic...

[TLCB]

Yep, John. Don't confuse me with the facts. How's that been working for you so far?

[DrJohnnySkeptic]

It's more of the McSame blame game!!

I hope he retires... what a pissant!

[43P04T34]

Tell us about using people, John.

[photochick]

JB doesn't need the publicity -- in fact, I bought the new CD without even knowing about the lawsuit. I agree with what one writer wrote earlier -- McCain does represent EVERYTHING that JB has ever stood for and he has a right to not want his work representing or being associated with McCain. John, just pay the royalties for the song so that Jackson can donate it to the Democratic Party.

[photochick]

Big opps!!!! I meant to say that "McCain represents everything that JB has ever stood AGAINST..." Sorry -- too early for me to be typing.

[DrJohnnySkeptic]

Coffee... get it, drink it, love it.

I'm enjoying a cup of morning brew right now.

[MoMan]

say a prayer for the pretender....

[watchingthings]

McC does belong to the repubs and as such, feels that everyday laws don't apply to his superior type.

[AlphaDoc]

Like so many others in his party, McCain's sense of entitlement would put most royalty to shame. Use whomever and whatever you like, and when you run into protest, turn the complaints back around on the protester. The old adage about the best defense being a good offense is getting pretty tiresome.