Queen guitarist Brian May says the band did not give permission to US Presidential candidiate Donald Trump to use their 1977 classic, “We Are The Champions”, during a victory speech on June 7.
“My personal reaction to Donald Trump using our music…We'd never give permission,” wrote May on his website. “I’ve had an avalanche of complaints – some of which you can see in our ‘LETTERS’ page – about Donald Trump using our We Are The Champions track as his ‘theme’ song on USA TV. This is not an official Queen statement, but I can confirm that permission to use the track was neither sought nor given. We are taking advice on what steps we can take to ensure this use does not continue.
“Regardless of our views on Mr Trump’s platform, it has always been against our policy to allow Queen music to be used as a political campaigning tool. Our music embodies our own dreams and beliefs, but it is for all who care to listen and enjoy.”
"We certainly have not approved this use of ‘We Are the Champions’,” replied May to a fan inquiry in his Letters section. “I will make sure we take what steps we can to dissociate ourselves from Donald Trump's unsavoury campaign."
“We Are The Champions” was the lead single from Queen’s 6th album, “News Of The World.” The song hit No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 while the album peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard 200 on its way to sales of more than four million copies in the States alone.
The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Neil Young, Adele, Twisted Sister, R.E.M. and others have previously spoken out against Trump’s use of their songs in his campaign.
See also:
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Search Queen at hennemusic
