Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler Tells Donald Trump to Stop Using ‘Dream On’
Photo via AP
Update: Wednesday, 2:26 p.m.
Even though I have the legal right to use Steven Tyler’s song, he asked me not to. Have better one to take its place!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 14, 2015
Steven Tyler got more publicity on his song request than he’s gotten in ten years. Good for him!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 14, 2015
Update: Monday, 11:10 a.m.
https://twitter.com/ChrisVillani44/status/653588217107738624
Previously:
Alleged Boston band Aerosmith is the third and latest musical act that wants nothing to do with 2016 Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump.
Frontman Steven Tyler has sent Trump’s campaign a cease-and-desist letter, requesting that Trump stop using the band’s 1973 hit “Dream On,” which was written and recorded in the band’s Allston apartment. In his letter, Tyler’s lawyer argues Trump’s use of the song could “give a false impression” of endorsement.
Tyler—a registered Republican, reports BBC News—says it’s nothing personal, just a matter of copyright. And as the Washington Post reports, Tyler attended the first Republican debate as Trump’s guest.
Neil Young, who has expressed his support for Democratic candidate Senator Bernie Sanders, protested when Trump used his 1989 song “Rockin’ in the Free World” while announcing his candidacy. (Sanders exited to the song at his Boston rally earlier this month.) Michael Stipe of the dearly departed R.E.M. similarly protested when Trump used “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” calling his campaign a “moronic charade.”
Perhaps it’s Massachusetts’ longstanding blue-state credentials, but Boston bands don’t get much play from the Republicans. In 2008, the band Boston told Mike Huckabee to quit using “More Than a Feeling.”
As chronicled by FiveThirtyEight, former Massachusetts governor and failed 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney received word from Twisted Sister, Silversun Pickups, K’Naan, and Survivor to stop using their songs.
