Neil Young opposed the use of his music in the prelude to President Donald Trump’s event at the base of Mount Rushmore, next to Lakota Sioux, who long claimed the land as his own in violation of an 1868 treaty with the government. from the USA
“This is NOT okay for me …” said a tweet from Neil Young Archives, linked to images from the Trump event “Rockin In The Free World” was playing.
Young then tweeted, “I stand in solidarity with the Lakota Sioux and this is NOT okay with me.” It was linked to a video showing Young’s song “Like a Hurricane” playing before Trump took the stage. Young’s “Cowgirl in the Sand” was later heard at the rally, but the musician did not comment on its use.
Ironically, Young, 74, criticized Trump’s leadership in the United States in a lyrical rewrite of his 2006 song “Lookin ‘for a Leader” during one of his “front porch performances” released just two days before the Rushmore event. Young also expressed support for 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
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“Rockin ‘In the Free World” was also played after Trump finished his speech at Mount Rushmore, an address that attacked what he called “extreme left facism” and “canceling culture.”
In 2015, Young opposed the Trump campaign’s use of “Rockin ‘in the free world” when the politician announced his presidential campaign. At the time, a Trump campaign spokeswoman said: “Through a licensing agreement with ASCAP, the Trump campaign paid for and obtained the legal right to use Neil Young’s recording of ‘Rockin’ in the free world. ‘ at today’s event. However, we will not be using it again, there are many songs to choose from. Despite Neil’s different political views, Trump really likes Neil. “
Neil Young to Donald Trump: The time has come to stop using my song, now!
Earlier this week, Deadline broke the news that performing rights group ASCAP says Trump will not be allowed to use any of the Rolling Stones songs in his repertoire, a playlist that includes “Start Me Up. “,” Emotional rescue “. “Waiting for a friend” and “Angie”. The IMC also notified Trump and threatened to sue if he ever uses any of The Rolling Stones songs licensed by the giant performing rights organization.
Before Trump arrived on Friday, protesters blocked a road leading to the national monument, before authorities removed them. According to the Associated Press, the police used pepper spray on several protesters. The protesters included Native Americans who have long claimed land in the Black Hills. Four decades ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the land had been illegally seized in violation of an 1868 treaty between the United States government and the Sioux Nation.
