‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ – Rolling Stones threaten Trump with legal action over use of their music for campaign rallies

US president used the song during his campaign in the 2016 election

Roisin O'Connor
Sunday 28 June 2020 09:31 BST
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The Rolling Stones play 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' for One World: Together at Home

The Rolling Stones have issued a legal warning to US president Donald Trump over his use of their music for campaign rallies.

The Trump campaign used the song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” at last week’s rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Trump previously used the same song for his campaign for the 2016 US election. That year, the band tweeted that they did not endorse Trump.

A statement from the Rolling Stones’ lawyers said they were working with performing rights organisation, the BMI, to prevent unauthorised use of their songs, Deadline reports.

It warns that Trump could face legal action if he continues using the Rolling Stones’ music.

The statement said that “further steps to exclude” Trump from using Rolling Stones material in future presidential campaigning was necessary, after previous “cease and desist directives” had been ignored.

The BMI has reportedly notified the Trump campaign, informing them that the use of Rolling Stones songs without permission will constitute a breach of its licensing agreement and would result in legal action.

A number of other high-profile musicians have spoken out to warn Trump against using their music for his campaigning.

Earlier this month, the family of Tom Petty issued a cease and desist letter to the Trump campaign over the unauthorised use of his hit song, “I Won’t Back Down”, at Trump’s rally in Tulsa.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the family said that the late artist would “never want a song of his used for a campaign of hate”.

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