Copyright dispute: Neil Young sues Trump campaign over rally music
The musician seeks $10 million in damages after 'Rockin' in the Free World' was played at a recent campaign stop in Ohio.
By Julian Reed ·
Neil Young has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against the Trump 47 Committee, Inc., alleging that the organization used his song 'Rockin' in the Free World' without permission at recent political events. The complaint was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on Monday, marking the second legal battle between the rock icon and the President's fundraising group over the track.
The lawsuit cites a campaign rally held on Oct. 12 in Youngstown, Ohio, as the primary instance of unauthorized use. Attorneys for Young argue that the committee also played the song at other gatherings intended to drive voter turnout for the upcoming midterm elections. The filing contends that the Trump organization acted willfully, knowing that a license was required but proceeding without one.
In the court documents, the lawyers describe the 1989 track as a critical contrast to the political rhetoric associated with Donald J. Trump. They characterize the song as an anthem that highlights the harsh realities faced by the poor and forgotten, noting that its lyrics paint vivid portraits of street life. The complaint states that the repeated chorus delivers a savage irony, celebrating a freedom that is not shared by all, making the song the opposite of what the President stands for.
This legal action follows a history of friction between the two figures. In 2015, Trump staffers played the song to launch his initial presidential bid. At that time, they claimed to have secured permission from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, or ASCAP. However, ASCAP guidance indicates that artists can still sue if they object to their work being associated with a specific campaign, even with a license in place. ASCAP also urges campaigns to obtain direct permission from the artist or songwriter.
Although the Trump team removed the song from its playlist in 2015, they added it back in 2020 along with another track, 'Devil's Sidewalk.' That move prompted Young to file a suit against Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. The previous case ended in a settlement where the campaign promised it would not use 'Rockin' in the Free World' again without a license and permission from Young.
Young is seeking $10 million in damages, along with attorney's fees, in the current filing. He also requests a court order prohibiting the defendant from playing 'Rockin' in the Free World' or any other music from his catalog at its events. The dual Canadian-American rocker has been a vocal critic of the President, and his legal team argues that the committee's recent actions violate the terms of their prior agreement.
The use of popular music at Trump rallies has drawn objections from various recording artists over the years. Céline Dion, Aerosmith, ABBA, and the estate of Leonard Cohen have all expressed displeasure at having their work used to hype audiences. High-profile performers such as the Rolling Stones, Queen, Pharrell Williams, John Fogerty, and Tom Petty have also objected through cease-and-desist letters or threatened lawsuits.
In more recent months, Trump staffers have utilized newer music for rallies and social media posts. This practice has led to censure and takedown requests from artists including Sabrina Carpenter, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and Ariana Grande. Some of these musicians have been featured in online posts by the Trump team, leading to repeated exchanges of criticism.
Source: CBC News
