Remember when Donald Trump first launched his campaign to become President of the United States? As Neil Young song’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” blared, the billionaire reality TV mogul presented himself to a crowd (which was partially made up of paid supporters) and proudly rode down an elevator.
While he must have certainly been feeling on top of the world at that moment, iconic music legend Neil Young had something to say about Trump’s use of the song.
In a statement, Neil made it very clear that Trump “was not authorized to use ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ in his presidential candidacy announcement.”
The declaration also mentioned that “Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for President of the United States of America.”
Such is fitting, as the song “Rockin’ in the Free World’ is actually a critique of Republican George H. W. Bush’s Presidency and the social policies that lead to income inequality, as ConsequenceofSound points out.
Regardless of the fact that Trump’s camp paid both ASCAP and BMI for rights to the song, Young maintained that the Republican candidate nominee’s use of the song was inappropriate. In return, it was agreed that Trump’s party would cease from using it out of respect to the singer.
End of story? Not even close. Shortly after this debacle, Neil turned around and gave Bernie Sanders full permission to use “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
The Democratic candidate didn’t let the opportunity go to waste and walked out to the track at a rally in Denver.
With an audience of 4,500 people, Sanders had a full house to speak to. And, as far as we know, none of them were paid to be there.
Neil is an outspoken activist who has made his stance on corporate giants – such as Starbucks and Monsanto – very clear in the past. Once again, he’s maintaining his integrity and adhering to his beliefs by refusing to support Trump’s campaign – or his antics.
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