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Queen unhappy over Trump’s use of 'We Are the Champions'
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump applauds as he steps up to the podium to introduce his wife Melania on the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, the US, on Monday. (AP/J. Scott Applewhite)
D
onald Trump took the stage at the Republican National Convention on Monday to the sound of Queen’s "We Are the Champions", and the band has complained.
"An unauthorized use at the Republican Convention against our wishes — Queen," the band tweeted from its official Twitter account.
An unauthorised use at the Republican Convention against our wishes - Queen
— Queen (@QueenWillRock) July 19, 2016
Musicians complaining about Republican politicians using their music have become a perpetual political story, as at least 35 artists have fought politicians over their music, according to Rolling Stone. The Foo Fighters against John McCain and Bruce Springsteen versus Ronald Reagan are some examples of the list.
(Read also: Queen calls Trump out: You’re not 'The Champion')
Legally speaking, the Republican Party probably did need a license before using Queen’s music, but not necessarily directly from the group. The necessary permissions are available from a performing rights organization called Broadcast Music Inc, which is a standard step to play music at big events.
Today, three major performing rights organizations have licenses for the vast majority of music published in the US, so paying a flat fee for the three organizations is enough to be able to play almost any music. Queen’s "We Are the Champions" is part of the catalog, which means the band does not have the option to restrict licensing for Donald Trump or Republicans in general.
Aside from Queen, musicians like Adele and the Rolling Stones have asked Trump to stop using their music. (tif/kes)
