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Music industry celebrities have helped both presidential candidates entertain the crowds at their rallies.
But not all artists want the politicians rocking out to their songs.
Several major artists, many of them supporters of the Democratic Party, have asked the McCain campaign to stop playing their songs at rallies.
Among the artists and songs: The Foo Fighters’ “My Hero,” John Mellencamp’s “Our Country” and “Pink Houses,” Heart’s “Barracuda,” and Bon Jovi’s “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
These artists have said they don’t agree with the views of the Republican ticket.
Van Halen has also asked the McCain campaign to stop playing “Right Now” at rallies because the group said it doesn’t make political endorsements.
The Obama campaign drew the ire of Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, who asked the Democratic nominee to stop using “Hold On, I’m Comin’” because he’s not endorsing a presidential candidate.
Campaigns typically stop using the songs to avoid controversy, although the songs usually can be played if royalties are paid.
A few hits cross over to both presidential tickets, and that’s just fine with some artists. One of the authors of “Only in America,” a song from the country group Brooks & Dunn that’s played by Democrats and Republicans, said it’s “ironic” the song is a favorite of both parties.
“Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans," Kix Brooks said in a statement.
-- Amy Dominello
But not all artists want the politicians rocking out to their songs.
Several major artists, many of them supporters of the Democratic Party, have asked the McCain campaign to stop playing their songs at rallies.
Among the artists and songs: The Foo Fighters’ “My Hero,” John Mellencamp’s “Our Country” and “Pink Houses,” Heart’s “Barracuda,” and Bon Jovi’s “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
These artists have said they don’t agree with the views of the Republican ticket.
Van Halen has also asked the McCain campaign to stop playing “Right Now” at rallies because the group said it doesn’t make political endorsements.
The Obama campaign drew the ire of Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, who asked the Democratic nominee to stop using “Hold On, I’m Comin’” because he’s not endorsing a presidential candidate.
Campaigns typically stop using the songs to avoid controversy, although the songs usually can be played if royalties are paid.
A few hits cross over to both presidential tickets, and that’s just fine with some artists. One of the authors of “Only in America,” a song from the country group Brooks & Dunn that’s played by Democrats and Republicans, said it’s “ironic” the song is a favorite of both parties.
“Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans," Kix Brooks said in a statement.
-- Amy Dominello