Apparently the only music McCain can use for his self-promotion is country.
Jackson Browne, Van Halen and Heart are all upset about John McCain using their songs at campaign rallies. Jackson Browne is even suing. Check out the stories:
- Heart to McCain Campaign: Stop Using “Barracuda”
The trademark infringement issues (implied endorsement) strike me as more worrisome for McCain than the copyright issues (violation of distribution and broadcast rights).
See: McCain Doesn’t Rock.
It is stunning to think that the McCain–Palin campaign would continue to stoop to music piracy, particularly after the repeated embarrassments. Then again, this is the same campaign that comes up with each new theme and slogan by simply stealing them from its adversary. Senator Obama seems to trust the voting public to be able to discern the dishonesty of Senator McCain’s mimicry. The recording artists are putting their faith in the courts.