ABBA, the iconic Swedish pop group, has joined the list of artists demanding that former President Donald J. Trump cease playing their music at his events. Recently, ABBA’s label, Universal Music Group, took action against Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, for using ABBA’s songs without permission. This incident has sparked a wave of backlash from various artists who have also objected to their music being played at Trump rallies.
ABBA Takes a Stand Against Trump
According to reports from Sweden’s Svenska Dagbladet, Trump and Vance played ABBA’s hits “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and “Dancing Queen” at a rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota. In response, Universal Music Group, representing ABBA, issued a statement asserting that the politicians did not have the right to use the music without proper authorization. The label has since requested the removal of any videos featuring ABBA’s music at Trump events.
Legal Action Against Unauthorized Use
Universal Music Publishing AB and Polar Music International AB, the entities responsible for ABBA’s music rights, have not granted permission for Trump to use their music. ABBA’s member, Björn Ulvaeus, emphasized that their record company, Universal, is actively working to ensure that the unauthorized use of their music is stopped.
Backlash from Artists
This is not the first time Trump has faced criticism for using music without permission at his events. Artists like Neil Young, Johnny Marr of the Smiths, Celine Dion, the estate of Isaac Hayes, Beyoncé, and Foo Fighters have all expressed disapproval of their music being played at Trump rallies. The unauthorized use of artists’ music has led to threats of legal action and public denouncements.
Continued Resistance
Despite facing backlash in each of his three presidential campaigns, Trump continues to use music without obtaining proper licenses. The ongoing resistance from artists highlights the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and obtaining permission for the use of copyrighted material.
Conclusion
The clash between artists and politicians over the unauthorized use of music underscores the significance of copyright protection and intellectual property rights. ABBA’s stance against Trump sets a precedent for artists to assert their rights and demand proper authorization for the use of their music.
FAQs
Q: Can artists prevent politicians from using their music at events?
A: Artists have the right to control the use of their music and can take legal action against politicians who use their music without permission.
Q: Why is it important for artists to protect their intellectual property rights?
A: Protecting intellectual property rights ensures that artists receive proper recognition and compensation for their work, preventing unauthorized use and exploitation.
Credit: pitchfork.com
