John McCain's Heart Attack

John McCain is using Heart's "Barracuda" as the theme song for VP candidate Sarah Palin and both Ann and Nancy Wilson are pissed...

"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. The song 'Barracuda' was written in the late 70s as a scathing rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women. (The 'barracuda' represented the business.) 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."

The response?

"The McCain campaign respects intellectual property rights. Accordingly, prior to using Barracuda at any events, we paid for and obtained all necessary licences."

Under US copyright law, the song is licensed for public performance under a blanket fee paid by the convention's venue, so everything is legal.

Personally, I think it's a great catalyst for discussion on some very important issues.

My question to you...

What would you do if a political candidate whom you didn't support used your song?

Comments

[pork]

I believe that the whole purpose of using a song here is to evoke good things and get good reactions from people. Nontheless, saying no to the use of a song for whatever puspose based on political beliefs is discriminatory. Maybe this is a good reminder for musicians to understand that just because you're performing on the song doesn't give certain rights over the song. And this is a perfect example. me, as a musician, can play Heart's songs, make my own versions, remix them as long as I comply to copyright laws. I wouldn't like my song there eihter just as I wouldn't have liked Charles Mason to be inspired by my lyrics, but not letting someone be inspired by your art is in some ways some kinda censorship don't you think?

[Jonathan Harms]

I feel like this is the equivalent of saying "Give me my bat and ball. I am going home." Yeah, 'Barracuda' is a rockin' song. I feel though, that once the songwriter sings their song for someone else, it is no longer their's to keep. It is mine to do with what I want, whether it is sit in my room as a teenager and be upset with the "business" like Heart wants me to do, or inspire fellow tribesman at a political rally. Why write and play music if it is not for ears to listen and hearts to be moved in the way they will.

I say get over it. Stay Humble. Rock On.

[Gary]

It's just posturing by the Wilson sisters. They are getting paid for it, and are making a LOT. They should donate the money they make from it to Democrat or independent candidates (frankly, I don't know and don't care what their political affiliation is)...

If the song was being used in campaign commercials, they would have every right to deny McCain's request to use it. But it's being performed, not synched, and Replubicans within their licensing rights. It's like Robert Plant and Jimmy Page saying "We really hate it when Heart performs or records 'Rock and Roll' -- we don't support women doing our songs, and we don't want fans to think we endorse Heart's version. Please cease and desist." It doesn't work that way with a song. Once you've written, recorded and distributed it, anyone can record it provided they pay the agreed upon mechanical license fee. Same goes for performances -- you can't stop a gay nightclub from playing playing your records because you don't endorse gays & lesbians; as long as the club has paid the blanket license fees to ASCAP, BMI and SESAC you're getting paid, and you can't pick and choose.

The Wilson sisters should just shut up and enjoy the income that comes with the renewed popularity of a 30 year old song, instead of trying to act like they are a relevant and viable musical and political force in 2008. By the end of the '80's Heart became a nostalgia act. I love their music, by the way. But I also like Jackson Browne's music, and he should shut up too...

[Josh Woodward]

I'd do what they're now doing and donate the proceeds to Obama's campaign. :)

[Roger]

Why Obama? Maybe they are supporting another more sensible candidate? Although from their comments, chances are they think Obama is a good choice. Regardless, once you have recorded a song and copyright it and all of that...anyone can use it provided they do it legally. But its funny how they thought they were above that. It's funny how many of us have blurry ideas of the first amendment and all that. =] It's funny how people against corporatism think the Democratic Party might offer something different. Ah, its actually more sad than funny. Hopefully Heart will write a song about that when they wake up. My two cents, just had to write something!

[Rachel]

http://www.cbsundstrom.com/fuckyoujohnmccain.jpg

That's right.

[Betty B]

I'd be upset on a very deep level if the Republicans, especially a witch like Palin, used my work for a major campaign too. I think Heart has every right to stand up and let the world know that they don't advocate the Republican party or their policies.