This Friday, August 23, Donald Trump used a Foo Fighters song, specifically ‘My Hero’, during a rally in Arizona. He used it to welcome Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the stage. When the group was asked in X if they had consented to the use of the song, Foo Fighters were brief: “let’s be clear: no.”
Dave Grohl’s group has decided to go one step further and has told Billboard: “No one has asked Foo Fighters for permission, and if they had, they wouldn’t have given it.” They also assure that the relevant actions are being taken, and what’s more, the royalties received for the use of this song will be donated to Kamala Harris’ campaign.
This week has been the grand launch of Kamala Harris’s candidacy in the United States, backed by the Obamas and the Clintons, among others. Stevie Wonder was among those present, and Beyoncé, among the notable absentees. At least for now, because ‘Freedom’ seems to be the official anthem of Harris’ campaign.
Beyoncé’s ‘Freedom’ has been the subject of controversy because Trump has also used it without permission during his campaign, causing Beyoncé’s team to send Trump a “cease and desist.” Isaac Hayes’ heirs have also protested the use of ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’ in Trump’s campaign at various rallies between 2022 and 2024, threatening to take action.
Let us be clear. pic.twitter.com/gexHWjPMYh
—Foo Fighters (@foofighters) August 24, 2024
