The Foo Fighters have expressed their displeasure over the use of their hit song "My Hero" at a recent Trump rally in Glendale, Arizona.
As reported by Breitbart News, the band has pledged to donate any royalties received from the song's usage to the Harris/Walz campaign. The incident occurred during a rally where former President Donald Trump was endorsed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently suspended his own presidential campaign.
The band's 1997 hit played as Kennedy, nephew of John F. Kennedy, took the stage at the rally. The Foo Fighters quickly responded to an inquiry on social media, stating they had not given permission for the song's use. A spokesperson for the band confirmed to Billboard that appropriate actions were being taken against the Trump campaign.
The Trump rally, co-hosted by Charlie Kirk's Turning Point Action, featured the use of flash pots and other effects reminiscent of concert atmospheres. The playing of "My Hero" as Kennedy entered the stage drew immediate attention and criticism from the Foo Fighters.
In response to a social media post asking about the song's use, the band simply replied, "No." They later shared a screenshot of this exchange on their official account, emphasizing their stance with the caption, "Let us be clear."
The band's spokesperson elaborated on their position, stating that not only was permission not sought, but it would not have been granted if requested. This incident adds to a history of musicians objecting to the use of their songs at political events, particularly those associated with former President Trump.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appearance at the Trump rally marked a significant moment in the 2024 presidential race. Kennedy, who recently suspended his own campaign, urged residents of blue states to vote for him while throwing his support behind Trump in battleground states.
A spokesperson for the Foo Fighters stated:
Foo Fighters were not asked permission, and if they were, they would not have granted it. Any royalties received as a result of the song usage will be donated to the Harris/Walz campaign. Appropriate actions are being taken against the Trump campaign.
This statement underscores the band's opposition to the unauthorized use of their music and their decision to redirect any resulting funds to a competing campaign.
The endorsement of Trump by Kennedy, a former Democrat, has sparked varied reactions across the political spectrum. Some observers view it as a significant boost to Trump's campaign, potentially broadening his appeal.
Social media reactions highlighted the potential impact of Kennedy's endorsement. One user commented on the unity symbolized by the Trump-Kennedy alliance, while others speculated on the Democrats' response to this development.
Dr. Sebastian Gorka, a former Trump administration official, remarked on the significance of Kennedy's reception at the rally, stating it demonstrated the inclusive nature of the MAGA movement.
In conclusion, the Foo Fighters' response to the unauthorized use of their song at a Trump rally has brought attention to the ongoing issues of music licensing in political campaigns. The band's decision to donate potential royalties to the Harris/Walz campaign adds a new dimension to the incident. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement of Trump at the rally has stirred political discussions, with supporters seeing it as a boost to Trump's campaign and critics viewing it as a concerning development for the Democratic party.
