Donald Trump has used The Rolling Stones Start Me Up, You Can’t Always Get What You Want and Brown Sugar at rallies on the campaign trail and the Stones want him to stop.
Start Me Up was used just last night when he took the stage after winning the Indiana primary and becoming the presumptive Republican candidate for president. If he has respect for the Stones, it will be the last time he uses the song.
A representative of the band told Billboard “The Rolling Stones have never given permission to the Trump campaign to use their songs. [The Rolling Stones] have requested that they cease all use immediately.”
Back in September, Keith Richards offered his opinion on Trump in an interview with Billboard, saying “I do find him refreshing. He’s cut through a lot of crap, and eventually … well, can you imagine President Trump? The worst nightmare. But we can’t say that. Because it could happen. This is one of the wonders of this country. Who would’ve thought Ronald Reagan could be president?”
Over the last decade-plus, there have been numerous cases of music artists demanding the politicians not use their music but, then, Donald Trump is no ordinary politician. Look for a possible challenge from Trump who could easily take the stand that, as long as the performance rights are paid, he has free reign to play whatever music he wants.
It’s going to be a long run to November.
