Foo Fighters: Trump campaign not authorized to use ‘My Hero’ at rally
- Trump campaign used 'My Hero' to introduce RFK Jr. at Arizona rally
- Rock band says use of their song wasn't authorized
- Royalties generated will go to Harris campaign, spokesperson said
FILE – In this Sept. 29, 2019, file photo, Dave Grohl of the band Foo Fighters performs at the Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Foo Fighters have announced a new album is in the works, the first since the death of the band’s drummer, Taylor Hawkins. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)
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(NewsNation) — The Foo Fighters are the latest artists to distance themselves from former President Donald Trump‘s campaign.
In an Arizona rally on Friday, the rock band’s hit song “My Hero” played as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took to the stage. Kennedy suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump that same day, with their joint appearance attempting to obstruct Vice President Kamala Harris’ path to the White House.
The band took to X to confirm that there was no permission given for “My Hero” to serve as the event’s soundtrack.
The band’s confirmation — made in response to another X user and posted to its page as a screenshot — was captioned with: “Let us be clear.”
A spokesperson for the band shared a statement with Entertainment Weekly and others saying they were “not asked permission, and if they were, they would not have granted it.”
The spokesperson also said any royalties generated by the Trump-Vance campaign’s use of the track will be donated to Harris’ campaign instead.
Earlier this month, Celine Dion and her record label also objected to the use of her most well-known song, “My Heart Will Go On.”
“In no way is this use authorized and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use,” said the statement on Dion’s X account. “…And really, THAT song?” capped the post. Media outlets were also quick to note the irony of a campaign using the song featured in the 1997 movie “Titanic.”
Over the years, several musicians have objected to Trump using their music without permission. The list includes Rihanna, Axl Rose and the estates of Prince, Sinead O’Connor and Tom Petty.
The Rolling Stones threatened legal action against Trump, and Neil Young filed a copyright infringement lawsuit.
NewsNation’s Rich Johnson contributed to this report.
