Guitarist of the Classic Rock band Queen Brian May said that Republican nominee Donald Trump did not ask permission to use the band’s hit song “We Are the Champions” for his speech following the primaries on June 7.
“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,” May said.
“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.”
May co-founded Queen in 1970, along with singer Freddie Mercury, drummer Roger Taylor, and bassist John Deacon.
The band released 15 albums, right up to the death of Mercury after a long battle with AIDS, leaving behind a long legacy of number one hits including “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are the Champions,” which is frequently played at sports events.
May said that Queen has maintained a strict policy to not allow their music be used as a campaigning tool:
“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.”
Queen joins a long list of artists who have protested Donald Trump using their music as a part of his campaign rallies.
Last month, the Rolling Stones took a similar position after Trump used “Start Me Up” following his Indiana primary victory. He has also used You Can’t Always Get What You Want,“ ”Sympathy for the Devil“ and ”Brown Sugar” at his rallies.
“The Rolling Stones have never given permission to the Trump campaign to use their songs and have requested that they cease all use immediately,” a spokesperson for the Rolling Stones told Time.
Other artists that have complained of Trump using their songs during the campaign are Adele, Twisted Sister—who originally gave permission then revoked it—, Neil Young, Steven Tyler, and R.E.M.
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