GOP's Song Selections Please John Rich, Anger Heart
No doubt, John Rich was delighted that John McCain and Sarah Palin used his original song, "Raisin' McCain," as the theme while the balloons dropped Thursday night (Sept. 4) following McCain's acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, but Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart weren't nearly as pleased when the musical menu quickly switched to their 1977 rock hit, "Barracuda." According to Entertainment Weekly, the Wilsons had already asked the Republicans to refrain from using their music as part of the campaign. In a written statement to EW, the sisters noted, "Sarah Palin's views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women. We ask that our song, 'Barracuda,' no longer be used to promote her image." They said the song was written "as a scathing rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women" -- with the song title serving as a metaphor for the business. In the statement, they said, "While Heart did not and would not authorize the use of their song at the RNC, there's irony in Republican strategists' choice to make use of it there."
Music isn't necessarily a pivotal part of any political convention, but speculation about McCain's song selection was perhaps heightened after the Democratic National Convention where Barack Obama and Joe Biden waved to the crowd in a cloud of confetti while the sound system blared Brooks & Dunn's "Only in America," a song used by the Republicans during George W. Bush's re-election bid four years ago. But if Rich is happy right now, Nancy Wilson called EW after "Barracuda" was played by the GOP and said, "I think it's completely unfair to be so misrepresented. I feel completely f---ed over."
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RedMaZ says:
No one should use someones song without their permission. Way to go Ann and Nancy. I support you 100%. John rich is another story. That clown will do anything to cash in on Pop Culture.
wolf says:
It’s copyright infringement pure and simple. And this is the fourth or fifth time that this has happened. J.Cougar Mellancamp had problems with them and now both Heart and Van Halen are considering lawsuits.
I guess, if you’re rich and Republican you don’t have to follow the laws.
Texas Guy says:
It’s sad that left-wing entertainers are so classless and petty. When Obama used Republican Brooks & Dunn’s song at his convention, Kix Brooks was quite gracious, and even flattered that people from both parties appreciated the song. What a contrast.
RedMaZ says:
No, I feel “left wing entertainers” feel no one is above the law. Now THAT’s a contrast!
Mark says:
Who the (blank) is John Rich? Usually the music at these conventions are the butt of everyone’s jokes. What does that say about John Rich? For me…enough.
Carrie says:
Can’t wait til normal mainstream America shows the entertainment industry that we are smarter than what they think we are, again (2004 George W Bush victory).
Go McCain/Palin!!
bkb says:
give me a break, these artists should be honored that there past hits are even played. what harm did it do?
RedMaZ says:
So it would be okay with you if your name and/or picture was associated with something you don’t approve of?
Jakey says:
John Rich is a clown, he is a talented songwriter but many of his views on politics and himself are just crazy. No musicians want McCain using their music because many musicians come from the lower or middle class and don’t relate to McCain. Unless you make 10 million a year the republicans won’t do a thing for you. Now they picked a women who doesn’t have experience (should have picked Senator Hutchinson from Texas!). I don’t know how anyone has benefited from Bush and McCain is more of the same if not worse because of his crazy temper and war mongering.
Mark says:
Texas Guy - the point is that they are using the music in true irony. Its about anti-big business. But, I guess you don’t listen to the words?
And - could it be that they just aren’t as supportive of the GOP this time around??? “But a few weeks ago, Brooks & Dunn told CNN they were sitting out making any endorsements in this election. I’ve sensed far less passion for the GOP cause among country stars in general than there was four years ago…”
carol says:
Heart should be glad anyone even remembers the song…..1997…????…go with the flow, gang…
Nancy Stark says:
How many downloads after last night ? How much money ? 37 million people watched last night and heard your music…..quit complaining ! More people watched the RNC convention than the Obama dog and pony show !
Greg says:
Let’s see whose sales of music increases, John Rich or Heart. How many concerts did the Dixie Chicks cancel on their last tour?
YankeeDoodle says:
They are basically saying that if you don’t believe like they do, you can’t play their music. I don’t believe like they do and will continue to listen to whatever I want, thank you. They are taking themselves way too seriously. I love them but come on. Music is for the fans. We pay their paychecks.
OMG says:
Its not a left or right thing… or at least it shouldn’t be. Heart should be happy that their OLD song was used! Maybe they will sell a CD or get a download. Heart should thank the RNC - most people thought Nancy eat herself to death.
I’m so… sick of the “entertainment” community thinking that we “the people” give a hoot about their political views!
RedMaZ says:
Music is for the artist first, not the fans, or a political agenda not approved by them. You have no respect for artists.
YankeeDoodle says:
RedMaz, they make MUSIC FOR YOU to buy. If they made music for them, they would be the only ones buying it which doesn’t make sense. Besides, I’ve been to plenty of concerts where the artist says as much.
RedMaZ says:
You certainly have a Pop Music mentality. Real artists make music they believe in, whether anyone buys it or not. It’s not about how many units they sell, it’s if they’re staying true to themselves. Pop music is a different story.
altin says:
Heart and some of the other “artist” who have faded into oblivion need to get over themselves. If I but their music I will play it wherever I want - regardless of their political views. They feel violated - please - they are taking advantage of this to put their forgotten names back into the media.
And why is it the people on the left are quick to sue? I guess they really don’t now how to actually speak to people to resolve differences - they would rather spend the tax payers money tying up our civil courts.
Maybe John rich will pen another hit - for Sarah.
YankeeDoodle says:
Well said Altin. “And why is it the people on the left are quick to sue? I guess they really don’t now how to actually speak to people to resolve differences - they would rather spend the tax payers money tying up our civil courts.”
RedMaZ says:
Yeah, here’s the title “She’s a Palin The @$$”
Colby says:
The venue has a right to play music without the artist’s permission. It is, however, embarrassing to the Republican party that an artist doesn’t want to be associated with them. I wouldn’t want my music to be played for a gun-toting religious nut either.
YankeeDoodle says:
RedMaZ,
But I listen to Heart. Isn’t that why you are here? Are you saying that the members of Heart are not real artists?
TexasPopulist says:
Enough with this partisan crap. Stop making assumptions about artists wanting a candidate to ask for permission. Obviously, looks like some in the GOP rather divide America than talk in a civilized manner.
My Way says:
RedMaZ;
You need to do some research. Heart has no legal right to stop McCain from using the song.
I’m sure McCain camp will though, who wants to use a song sung by two old left wing biddies.
AngAng says:
This is only making the Dems look petty, and lame. Keep up the good work celebrities!
My Way says:
Last night I wrote “Heart CD” on my shopping list before I went to bed.
This am after hearing what Heart had to say, I scratched it off.
RedMaZ says:
Well I don’t know if they have a legal right or not. I prefer going by moral rights. Do you think they have a moral right to use a song without permission?
CJ says:
It just depends on which side of the fence you are for. If it would have been the DNC they would not have gotten upset. Some people just wait to find something to jump on. This is the way they will get there name out there again.
Michael Green says:
All you need to know about John Rich is that he announced that Johnny Cash would have supported John McCain. Now, I don’t care what political position country singers take–I care about their music. But who is he to say that? Rosanne Cash was mad about it, and rightly so. No class.
Mike says:
MyWay: *YOU* need to do some research. The use of intellectual property in a public setting (especially politics) can (and does) imply endorsement. Therefore, it’s use needs permission. If a politician walked out on stage to the tune of the old Burger King jingle “Have It Your Way”, or the old McDonalds jingle “You Deserve A Break Today”, would it not imply endorsement of the candidate by the respective company? “Fair Use” is one thing and “Paid Public Perfomance” is another…and yet another is “Political Campaign Theme”. It’s use inherently implies endorsement and therefore can (and should) only be used with permission.
jasmine says:
I’ve been saying more and more that the artists and celebrities are wealthy because of people like us. We run to the movies and put money in their pocket. Then we run to Barnes/nobles to buy their cds to more money into their pocket. And Heart is going to come out and say don’t play my music. I heard their song and was like wow, it’s heart, it made me want to go buy their CD, but after hearing their comment, I was pretty stunned! I hope more and more people will get sick and tired of them to the point that maybe we can get millions to sacrifice even a month of movie watching and cd buying. Anyhow, it saddened me a lot. Regardless which party plays your CD you feel honored/flattered, it baffles me completely!
John Jr says:
Legal or not, who the hell was talking about Heart any way? They should be happy that any one was thinking about them. I don’t think anyone was thinking, Heart is backing McCain and Palin. Every one knows that most artiest think they are the best and the only ones that like there music are people that think like them. But they don’t know that most people don’t think like them. And they should just be happy that someone they don’t like just helped them make some money.
OMG says:
Amen… Be thankful, be blessed that someone wants to play your music! Music which makes you money… More people watched the RNC then the DNC… those are possible new fans! WOW.. Maybe they don’t need the money or the fan base. I will tell you this, just because they are stupid “HARD liners”… I will turn off “Cross Roads” featuring Heart if it ever comes on again. For the LOVE of GOD… Be proud of your country, be thankful someone plays your “music” and stop the small thinking! FYI — I’m an independent who’s feed up with the LEFT and the “entertainment” industry high horse. Aren’t we, the fans the one paying your damn bills? Keep your politics to yourself or maybe we’ll keep our money!
psycgirl says:
I think the RNC should have asked out of common curtsy. Anyway lets move on and start preparing for the next few months. Both parties will need all the support the can get.
Kim says:
I’m thinking about turning my HEART CD back in for a refund. How dare they gripe about the exposure they received. I too am SICK of celebrities who think they are so great when it is US who made them great. They should be grateful indeed for the RNC convention. Such a shame the Dems didn’t use their music — they should feel rejected by their own party. I think, if I remember correctly, that a copyright on a song is good for 25 years unless the copyright is renewed and IF this is the case, then, it’s been 31 years since the hit was released and then anyone is free to use it.
Don’t you just hate how some people go make it BIG and then with their new found money and fame, and their travel abroad; they suddenly turn on “American” traditional values and start complaining about their country or are embarrassed by their President. Why don’t they ALL just move to Europe if America is so bad?!! I studied in Europe and found it fashionable years ago when I was in college to do the same thing, then I grew up and realized how lucky I was to live here and be an American — just like McCain learned while he basked in a communist POW prison. GO McCain/Palin!! Maybe America can yet be saved!
Kim says:
I have taken to “boycotting” theaters and movie/cd purchases of actors and entertainers who are extreme and cut down my views as if they are now somehow superior and in a new class. They should not forget who or where they were before WE made them wealthy!! My brother wanted me to go see Michael Moore’s filthy lying movie and I said, “No way - No way I will give him even $1!! More people should start refusing to send these ultra-liberal entertainers MONEY they don’t even appreciate — just take it for granted; like they are some special elites who God ordained to be in a class above us!! I can’t believe people like Alec Baldwin who demanded the death of a politician (Henry Hyde) and called for the killing of his entire family too! They have gotten too big for their britches! And they actually believe we CARE about their opinions or endorsements — why should we care about their views — are they experts in politics. I think not! Their expertise is their music or acting. They probably didn’t even pay attention in history, political science, or government. Their opinions are not INFORMED ones, for the most part.
Eric says:
This is bad reporting. There is not one mention within the story if a licence fee was paid for the use of the music. If there was, tough s*** for Heart.
Buck says:
Licensing a song for public use has nothing to do with getting permission from the artist. It’s handled through the song’s publisher and performing rights organization, which takes it out of the artist’s hands. It would courteous to get “permission” from the artists and/or writers who wrote or recorded the song, but it is not required. However, if they did ask the RNC ahead of time not to use any of their recordings, then it’s probably disrespectful of the RNC to use the music.
Jake says:
ANN & NANCY ROCK! They don’t want to be associated with lying, hypocritical, gun toting, Jesus freak, murdering, war monger sheep. What’s wrong with that? More power to them! More people should stand up to these fanatics. You go ladies, kick some a$$!!
Lynda says:
Aren’t there any other Country Artist that would be willing to give the Republican Campaign a few songs. I see where They got blasted again today for using a song that the artist is demanding they quit using. Every song they try to use they get cut down for. Now you tell me their aren’t a few Country Stars they would be willing to say hey you can use this song or that song. After all the other campaign has song many artist giving them music they have to turn down even the best artist because they have so many now. Come on ..Lighten Up..
Ronny says:
I thought that fat one died choking on a ham samich?
YReligion says:
There you go again RONNY , pasting the same insult all over the INTERNETS …..How profound and original.
Charlie Daniels is a GOP thumper, So are The Stray Cats, but their image are not conservative enough to be ASSociated with on National TV. Charlie looks like a hippie, the Stray Cats have tattoos. Would you want innocent children hanging out with them or listening to their music? “The devil went down to Georgia”,….”Sexy and 17″….do you want your kids singing these blasphemous lyrics? Not too many Republican musicians to pick from…maybe we shouldn’t have stopped funding the Arts…
pbpeck says:
An artist may have no say in who uses a song as long as the royalty payments are made … no issue … tough.
Jen says:
are you kidding me?? get over yourself Nancy Wilson. totally rediculous. they used your song that doesnt mean you have to support them!
Trailer says:
Heart should be happy that they were rescued from irrelevance if but for a short time. Now they can go back under their (left leaning) rock.
Lynsie says:
Nancy- In the factoring of statistics for the ratings of both conventions they didn’t factor in internet, PBS, or CSPAN viewers. Further, the RNC was had the second highest watch rating after Fox (Faux) News with 9 million NBC viewers who “viewed” the show immediatly after the football game between the Redskins and Giants. Obama didn’t.
Here is a excerpt from an article substantiating this. To wit:
On NBC, the McCain speech aired right after the conclusion of the NFL’s football-season opener, a game which averaged 13.6 million viewers from 8-10 p.m. (ET).
While it’s unknown how many football fans stuck around for McCain, the game definitely boosted NBC, if not the Republican contender. Last week, about 6 million watched Obama’s speech on NBC. Last night, a broadcast-network-best 8 million caught McCain on the same network.
As for Obama, not only didn’t he speak after a football game, he addressed his convention during the runup to Labor Day, usually one of the least-watched TV weeks of the year.
Diane says:
Most of you seem not to know that songs are copyrighted and the use of a copyrighted song requires paying for the license to use it. There are a number of different types of licenses, depending on how the song will be used. Even exercise instructors have to pay for songs they use in group classes or make sure they use only songs the club has paid for. High school plays need permission to use a song in a school play. So get that through your heads. McCain claims they got permission, but obviously he didn’t. And BTW, Heart is on tour right now, so no they don’t need to be grateful that the songs were used — they have plenty of fans going to hear them for their musical talents. They are not obligated to let anyone use one of their songs if they do not want to, whether for a car commercial or a political campaign.
Diane says:
Buck, it isn’t always the publisher who holds the rights to a song. Many artists and songwriters hold the rights to their own songs. I just went online and checked — Nancy Wilson, Roger Fisher, Ann Wilson, and Michael Derosier do hold the rights to the words and music (they wrote it), and to a “recorded document.” However, it looks like Capitol Records might hold the right to the recording — but we don’t know what kinds of agreements they made with the artists. Apparently, the artists involved in these disputes do at least have some say.
Susie says:
I grew up with country music but I’m ashamed of the position performers like John Rich has taken by endorsing the McCain/Palin political machine. The GOP isn’t a synonym for GOD. For a ticket that’s running on family and christian values, McCain and Palin are critically lacking. Parading Palin’s pregant daughter at the RNC, along with the molester was a shock to our family values. In Texas he would be behind bars. Shortly a story will be broken by The National Inquirer about Sarah Palin’s affair with her husband’s business partner that their campaign is trying to cover. This is the same paper that broke the story on John Edwards affair. Everyday new information is surfacing on Palin that proves McCain did not go through the proper vetting process so our families and children are exposed to this on the news. Just another reason he’s not qualified to be President.
Ann says:
Lord. If a song is played in an open public forum…where it’s not sold for profit, do they have to ask?
AJ says:
Who caresssssssssssssss
Tom says:
Susie are you ashamed of John Rich for having an opinion different than yours? politics should be about the politicians stand on issues not about what is going on in their personal lives.
LadyOlive1 says:
THey are jealous because Sarah did great in the ABC interview. Who can say she is not ready to lead after Charlie Gibson grilled her and she took him down. Every time she speaks to the press she does great. That combined with her foreign policy and executive experience makes it clar that she is ready to lead us Republicans!
Media’s sexism by asking about her credentials is unfair? What foriegn policy experience does Obama have? Has he ever been outside of the US? She just as educated and has a grasp that national security is energy. THe rest of them dont get it. Sarah is a victim of discrimination because she has high morals and is a woman.
truckdrivinwoman says:
Why should John Rich be chastised for expressing his political beliefs?–or is that only for Democrats? Apparently stating one’s opinion musically is just seeking attention if one is a Republican but is supporting the candidate if one is a Democrat. As for the person who said that the Republicans won’t do anything for you–wasn’t it Kennedy who said we should “ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”? I do not expect my country to do for me what I should be doing for myself.
cremomma says:
John Rich has every right to donate a song to the McCain/Palin race. He wrote and donated the song. You can download it for FREE from his website JohnRich.com. He did not do it for praise or money, he did it to support the candidate he wants in office. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is his right as an American citizen. Is anyone chastising Oprah for supporting Obama?? I don’t think so. So for all of you who are spouting about John supporting his candidate, go vote for yourselves as the rest of us will!!! We are Raisin McCain!!
Susan says:
I think more country music stars should get behind McCain. The leftist media is trashing both McCain and Palin. The Hollywood Repulbicians are afraid to say anything or their liberal friends will get really mad. I thought more Country Stars would speak up with their support.
I can’t believe that its freedom of speach if your a liberal otherwise shut up. Its not fair. I want to hear Raisin McCain on the radio…At least he isn’t afraid of the liberal media.
Scotty says:
I cant understand how this “Country” society still stands.. I guess the creation of the south was advantageous for politicians to come to depend on the easily predicatable instincts of people like yourselves, to get votes and win- namely the Republicans. What is in the heart of people you dont know or you cant document in any way. And you dont know what lies or secrets lie in the heart of a politician let alone people. What you dont know dont hurt right? So dont say a politician is uncapable of doing this or that just because he/she belongs to the party you have come to love by tradition from you and your tobacco eating parents and theirs before them. Your traditions are pathetic. Thats what the rest of the world thinks of you.